Classic Poem

When I the earth's foundation laid,
Where wast thou then, O man?
Or didst thou contribute thine aid,
And help the mighty plan?

Whence did I, when the world I made,
For fit materials call,
When nothing I but nothing had,
Wherewith to make the ball.

My hand, without thy help could frame
This spacious edifice;
And can't my skill govern the same
Without thy poor advice?

If thou hast knowledge, tell what pow'r
And wisdom I employ'd,
To dig the mass of solid store,
Out of an empty void?

Tell how the globe was modell'd fine,
By what stupendous art;
And by what measure, square, and line,
I fitted every part?

Declare on what foundation sure,
Did I the building rear;
And by what cement, so secure,
Do all the parts cohere?

Shew how the corner-stone by me,
Was laid so firm so well,
That mov'd the fabric cannot be
Without a miracle.

When earth was form'd at my command,
Which formless was and void,
Know'st thou how heav'n in consort grand,
This dawn of time employ'd?

When all th' angelic armies knight,
The hosts of race divine,
Whose beamy heads, in sparkling light,
The morning stars out-shine;

These first-born sons of God renown'd,
With joyful shoutings sung
My works on earth, till heav'ns around
With acclamations rung.