W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.
Upon the Circumcision
John Milton (1608–1674)Y
That erst with music, and triumphant song,
First heard by happy watchful shepherds’ ear,
So sweetly sung your joy the clouds along,
Through the soft silence of the listening night,
Now mourn; and, if sad share with us to bear
Your fiery essence can distil no tear,
Burn in your sighs, and borrow
Seas wept from our deep sorrow.
He who with all Heaven’s heraldry whilere
Entered the world now bleeds to give us ease.
Alas! how soon our sin
Sore doth begin
His infancy to seize!
Just law, indeed, but more exceeding love!
For we by rightful doom remediless
Were lost in death, till he, that dwelt above
High throned in secret bliss, for us frail dust
Emptied his glory, even to nakedness;
And that great covenant which we still transgress
Entirely satisfied,
And the full wrath beside
Of vengeful justice bore for our excess,
And seals obedience first with wounding smart
This day; but oh! ere long,
Huge pangs and strong
Will pierce more near his heart.