Classic Poem

I.

I Strung my Lyre, when Love appear'd,
Demanding a light-wanton Lay:
C HRIST ! I began — the Trifler heard,
And shook his Wings, and pass'd away .

II.

The Strings rebellious to my Hand
Refuse to charm: in vain I sue,
The Strings are mute to my Demand —
I broke the old , and form'd a new .

III.

C HRIST ! I began: the sacred Lyre
Responsive swell'd with Notes divine,
And warm'd Me with Seraphic-fire:
Sweet Jesus , I am only Thine!

IV.

O wake to Life this springing Grace ,
And water with thy heavenly Dew:
Display the Glories of thy Face,
My Spirit and my Heart renew!

V.

Direct my Soul, direct my Hand: —
O blessed Change! Thy Pow'r I feel:
My Numbers flow at thy Command,
My Strings with holy Raptures swell.

VI.

And, You, whose pious Pains unfold
Those Truths, receive this Tribute due;
You once endur'd my Muse of Old ,
Nor scorn the Firstfruits of the New .