Classic Poem

Hymn II.

Begin the high celestial strain,
 My ravish'd soul, and sing
A solemn hymn of grateful praise
 To heav'n's almighty King.

Ye curling fountains, as you roll
 Your silver waves along,
Whisper to all your verdant shores
 The subject of my song.

Retain it long, you echoing rocks,
 The sacred sound retain,
And from your hollow winding caves
 Return it oft again.

Bear it, ye winds, on all your wings
 To distant climes away,
And round the wide-extended world
 My lofty theme convey.

Take the glad burthen of his name,
 Ye clouds, as you arise,
Whether to deck the golden morn,
 Or shade the ev'ning skies.

Let harmless thunders roll along
 The smooth ethereal plain,
And answer from the crystal vault
 To ev'ry flying strain.

Long let it warble round the spheres,
 And echo thro' the sky,
'Till angels with immortal skill
 Improve the harmony.

While I with sacred rapture fir'd,
 The blest Creator sing,
And warble consecrated lays
 To heaven's almighty King.