THE SPACIOUS FIRMAMENT ON HIGH. BY JOSEPH ADDISON.
Reading edition
Joseph Addison was born at Milston in 1672. He went to Queen’s College, Oxford; after he finished his course he traveled on the continent, studying for the diplomatic service. Returning, he held the position of Secretary of State, 1706–’8, and until a year of his death held different political positions. He wrote, besides his famous contributions to the Tatler, and Spectator, “The Campaign,” a treatise on Medals, a “Letter from Italy,” and one play worthy the name, “Cato.” He died at London in 1719.
The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim. The unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creator’s power display, And publishes to every land The work of an Almighty hand.
Soon as the evening shades prevail The moon takes up the wondrous tale, And nightly to the listening earth Repeats the story of her birth; Whilst all the stars that round her burn, And all the planets in their turn Confirm the tidings as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole.
What though in solemn silence all Move round the dark terrestrial ball; What though no real voice nor sound Amidst their radiant orbs be found; In reason’s ear they all rejoice And utter forth a glorious voice; Forever singing, as they shine, “The hand that made us is divine.”