Hymn II.

I.

Begin the high celestial strain,

My ravish’d soul, and sing

A solemn hymn of graceful praise

To heav’n’s almighty King.

II.

Ye curling fountains, as you roll

Your silver waves along

Whisper to all your verdant shores

The subject of my song.

III.

Retain it long, you echoing rocks

The sacred sound retain,

And from your hollow winding caves

Return it oft again.

IV.

Bear it, ye winds on all your wings

To distant climes away,

And round the wide-extended world

My lofty theme convey.

V.

Take the glad burthen of his name,

Ye clouds, as you arise,

Whether to deck the golden morn,

Or shade the ev’ning skies.

VI.

Let harmless thunders roll along

The smooth ethereal plain,

And answer from the crystal vault

To ev’ry flying strain.

VII.

Long let it warble round the spheres,

And echo through the sky,

’Till angels with immortal skill

Improve the harmony.

VIII.

While I with sacred rapture fir’d,

The blest Creator sing,

And warble consecrated lays

To heaven’s almighty King.

Text: Poems on Several Occasions (London: E. Dudley [and seven others], 1778), pp. 74-75.