The Spacious Firmament on HighWords: Psalm 19:1-6 Joseph Addison, 1712 Note: Hayden's tune here is "ornamented" in the style of his period. If you
aren't familiar with this song, or this style, it might be a good idea to listen through
for a few verses to see how the words fit--and they do fit, beautifully, once you get the
hang of it. 1 The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim. Th'unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creator's power display; And publishes to every land The work of an almighty hand. 2 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. 3 What though in solemn silence all Move round this dark terrestrial ball; What though no real voice or sound Amidst their radiant orbs be found; In reason's ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice, For ever singing as they shine, "The hand that made us is divine." |
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