Monday, August 6, 2007

'Tis'nt Good to Sing This Song

'Tis good, Lord to be here.
Thy glory fills the night.
Thy face and garments, like the sun
Shine with unborrowed light...

...’Tis good, Lord, to be here.
Yet we may not remain;
But since Thou bidst us leave the mount,
Come with us to the plain.

That's a mighty lyric. Not only is it deeply expressive of the mystery of the day, but it is also remarkable poetry. Note the pleasant vowel sounds, the long vowels at the end of verses, and the steady use of the l-sound throughout, in the most significant words. Plus the fresh, brief litany: Fulfiller of the past! Promise of things to be! The poetry is vigourous and confident, and very satisfying to the ear and mind.

Unfortunately, however, the hymn is all wrong.

(more, from the Archives)

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