John Dryden (1631–1700). The Poems of John Dryden. 1913.
Translations of Latin Hymns and Minor MiscellaniesHymn for the Nativity of St. John Baptist
24th June
O
Echoes from Judah’s Hills and Jordan’s Stream,
The Musick of our Numbers raise,
And tune our Voices to thy Praise.
A Messenger from high Olympus came
To bear the Tidings of thy Life and Name,
And told thy Sire each Prodigy
That Heav’n design’d to work in thee.
Hearing the News, and doubting in Surprize,
His faltering Speech in fetter’d Accent dy’s;
But Providence, with happy Choice,
In thee restor’d thy Father’s Voice.
In the Recess of Nature’s dark Abode,
Though still enclos’d, yet knewest thou thy God;
Whilst each glad Parent told and blest
The Secrets of each other’s Breast.