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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ODE ON THE DEATH OF MR. HENRY PURCELL: THE BLUE PENCIL by JOHN SHEFFIELD

Poet Analysis

First Line: GOOD ANGELS SNATCH'D HIM EAGERLY ON HIGH
Last Line: HAVE LIV'D TO SET WHAT HE VOUCHSAF'D TO WRITE.
Subject(s): PURCELL, HENRY (1659-1695);

GOOD angels snatch'd him eagerly on high;
Joyful they flew, and soaring through the sky,
Teaching his new-fledg'd soul to fly;
While we, alas! lamenting lie.
He went musing all along,
Composing new their heavenly song:
Awhile his skilful notes loud hallelujahs drown'd;
But soon they ceas'd their own, to catch his pleasing sound.
David himself improv'd the harmony,
David, in sacred story so renown'd
No less for music, than for poetry! ...
If human cares are lawful to the blest,
Already settled in eternal rest,
Needs must he wish, that Purcell only might
Have liv'd to set what he vouchsaf'd to write.



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