HYMN I.
Reading edition
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 ye roll Your silver waves along, Whisper to all your verdant shores The subject of my song. Retain it long y' 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 burden 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 etherial plain, And answer from the crystal vault To ev'ry flying strain. Long let it warble round the spheres, And echo through 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 heav'n's Almighty King.