The Poetry Corner

The Legend Of St Cecilia And The Angel.

By William Lisle Bowles

'Twas when, O meekest eve! thy shadows dim Were slowly stealing round, With more impassioned sound Divine Cecilia sang her vesper hymn, And swelled the solemn chord In hallelujahs to thy name, O Lord! And now I see her raise Rapt adoration's gaze, With lips just opening, and with humid eyes Uplifted; whilst the strain Now sinks, now swells again; Now rising, seems to blend with heaven's own harmonies. But who is that, divinely fair, With more than mortal beauty in his mien; With eyes of heavenly hue and glistening hair, His white and ample wings half seen! O radiant and immortal guest! Why hast thou left thy seraph throng, On earth the triumph to attest Of Beauty, Piety, and Song!