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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ST. CECILIA'S HYMN by JOHN BYROM

Poet Analysis

First Line: O! BORN OF A VIRGIN, MOST LOWLY AND MEEK
Last Line: TO LIVE, LIKE A VIRGIN BAPTIZ'D IN THY NAME.
Subject(s): CECILIA, SAINT (3D CENTURY); SAINTS; WOMEN & RELIGION;
O! BORN of a virgin, most lowly and meek,
Thou sent of thy Father lost creatures to seek,
Vouchsafe, in the manner that pleaseth thee best,
To kindle thy love, in my virginal breast;
Let the words of my mouth, and the thoughts of my heart,
Obey the sweet force, which thy grace shall impart;
Whilst angels assist me to offer my vows
To the God of my Life, my Redeemer, and Spouse.

My life, I esteem, O Creator Divine,
As a loving impression out-flowing from thine;
As an act of thy bounty, that gives us a part
Of the light, love, and glory, which thou thyself art;
May I always as little thy pleasure oppose,
As the pure simple nature from whence I arose;
And, by thee and for thee created, fulfil
In thought, word, and deed, thy adorable will.

By this blessed will, howsoever made known,
With a dutiful joy will I govern my own;
And, deaf to all tempting enchantments of sin,
I will hearken to Thee, my Redeemer, within;
Thy words will I ponder, by night and by day,
And the light of thy gospel shall mark out my way:
Till at length I arrive at the honour I claim,
To live, like a virgin baptiz'd in thy name.



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