Post by Séamus on Nov 21, 2024 11:55:41 GMT
Music the fiercest grief can charm,
And fate's severest rage disarm;
Music can soften pain to ease,
And make despair and madness please:
Our joys below it can improve,
And antedate the bliss above.
This the divine Cecilia found,
And to her Maker's praise confined the sound. When the full organ joins the tuneful quire, The immortal powers incline their ear;
Borne on the swelling notes our souls aspire, While solemn airs improve the sacred fire;
And angels lean from heaven to hear.
Of Orpheus now no more let poets tell,
To bright Cecilia greater power is given;
His numbers raised a shade from hell,
Hers lift the soul to heaven.
ALEXANDER POPE
Ode on St Cecilia's Day
And fate's severest rage disarm;
Music can soften pain to ease,
And make despair and madness please:
Our joys below it can improve,
And antedate the bliss above.
This the divine Cecilia found,
And to her Maker's praise confined the sound. When the full organ joins the tuneful quire, The immortal powers incline their ear;
Borne on the swelling notes our souls aspire, While solemn airs improve the sacred fire;
And angels lean from heaven to hear.
Of Orpheus now no more let poets tell,
To bright Cecilia greater power is given;
His numbers raised a shade from hell,
Hers lift the soul to heaven.
ALEXANDER POPE
Ode on St Cecilia's Day