Classic Poem

From the Italian of Guarini

Faith

Let those whose low delights to Earth are given
Chaunt forth their earthly Loves! but we
Must make an holier minstrelsy,
And, heavenly-born, will sing the Things of Heaven.

Charity

But who for us the listening Heart shall gain?
Inaudible as of the sphere
Our music dies upon the ear,
Enchanted with the mortal Syren's strain.

Hope

Yet let our choral songs abound!
Th' inspiring Power, its living Source,
May flow with them and give them force,
If, elsewhere all unheard, in Heaven they sound.

All

Aid thou our voice, Great Spirit! thou whose flame
Kindled the Songster sweet of Israel,
Who made so high to swell
Beyond a mortal strain thy glorious Name.

Charity and Faith

Though rapt to Heaven, our mission and our care
Is still to sojourn on the Earth,
To shape, to soothe, Man's second Birth,
And re-ascend to Heaven, Heaven's prodigal Heir!

Charity

What is Man's soul of Love deprived?

Hope. Faith

It like a Harp untuned is,
That sounds, indeed, but sounds amiss.

Charity. Hope

From holy Love all good gifts are derived.

Faith

But 'tis time that every nation
Should hear how loftily we sing.

Faith. Hope. Charity

See, O World, see thy salvation!
Let the Heavens with praises ring.
Who would have a Throne above,
Let him hope, believe and love;
And whoso loves no earthly song,
But does for heavenly music long,
Faith, Hope, and Charity for him,
Shall sing like winged Cherubim.
[?1812 ?1815]