At a Solemn Music

BLEST pair of Sirens, pledges of Heaven’s joy,

Sphere-born harmonious Sisters, Voice and Verse,

Wed your divine sounds, and mixed power employ,

Dead things with inbreathed sense able to pierce;

And to our high-raised phantasy present

That undisturbèd Song of pure consent,

Aye sung before the sapphire-coloured Throne

To Him that sits thereon,

With saintly shout and solemn jubily;

Where the bright Seraphim in burning row

Their loud uplifted angel trumpets blow,

And the Cherubic host in thousand quires

Touch their immortal harps of golden wires,

With those just Spirits that wear victorious palms,

Hymns devout and holy psalms

Singing everlastingly:

That we on Earth, with undiscording voice,

May rightly answer that melodious noise;

As once we did, till disproportioned Sin

Jarred against Nature’s chime, and with harsh din

Broke the fair music that all creatures made

To their great Lord, whose love their motions swayed

In perfect diapason, whilst they stood

In first obedience, and their state of good.

O, may we soon again renew that song,

And keep in tune with Heaven, till God ere long

To his celestial consort us unite,

To live with Him, and sing in endless morn of light!