Dies Natalis, Op. 8: II. Rhapsody: Recitativo stromentato
Will you see the infancy of this sublime and celestial greatness?
I was a stranger, which at my entrance into the world
Was saluted and surrounded with innumerable joys
My knowledge was divine. I was entertained like an angel
With the works of God in their splendour and glory
Heaven and Earth did sing my Creator's praises
And could not make more melody to Adam than to me
Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious
Apprehensions of the world than I
All appeared new, and strange at first
Inexpressibly rare and delightful and beautiful
All things were spotless and pure and glorious
The corn was orient and immortal wheat
Which never should be reaped nor was ever sown
I thought it had stood from everlasting to everlasting
The green trees, when I saw them first, transported and ravished me
Their sweetness and unusual beauty made my heart to leap
And almost mad with ecstasy, they were such strange and wonderful things
O what venerable creatures did the aged seem!
Immortal cherubims! and the young men glittering and sparkling angels
And maids strange seraphic pieces of life and beauty!
I knew not that they were born or should die
But all things abided eternally
I knew not that there were sins or complaints or laws
I dreamed not of poverties, contentions or vices
All tears and quarrels were hidden from mine eyes
I saw all in the peace of Eden
Everything was at rest, free and immortal
Autor(es): Gerald Finzi, Thomas Traherne