Festival of song: a series of evenings with the poets . t. Cecilias day, is by many considered hismasterpiece. It is pronounced unequalled by anv thing of its kindsince classic times ; and is the best illustration of the pliancy of ourEnglish extant. He wrote this grand Ode at Burleigh House,where his translation of Virgil was partly executed. One morningLord Bolingbroke chanced to call on Drv-den, whom he found inunusual agitation. On inquiring the cause, I have been up allnight, replied the bard ; mv musical friends made me promise towrite them an Ode for the Feast of St. Cecilia : I have be
Festival of song: a series of evenings with the poets . t. Cecilias day, is by many considered hismasterpiece. It is pronounced unequalled by anv thing of its kindsince classic times ; and is the best illustration of the pliancy of ourEnglish extant. He wrote this grand Ode at Burleigh House,where his translation of Virgil was partly executed. One morningLord Bolingbroke chanced to call on Drv-den, whom he found inunusual agitation. On inquiring the cause, I have been up allnight, replied the bard ; mv musical friends made me promise towrite them an Ode for the Feast of St. Cecilia : I have been sostruck with the subject which occurred to me, that I could notleave it till I had completed it : here it is, finished at one sitting. 76 The poem is designed to exhibit the different passions excited bvTimotheus in the mind of Alexander, feasting a triumphant con-queror in Persepolis. The grandeur of the poem can only be ap-preciated by perusing it entire, and more fullv, indeed, on even asecond perusal. Here is the opening s-tanza :— ;r---^:i:. Twas at the royal feast, for Persia won By Philips warlike son :Aloft in awful state the god-like hero sate On his imperial throne ; His valiant peers were placed brows with roses and with myrtle boundSo should desert in arms be lovelv 1 hais bv his sideSat, like a blooming Eastern bride,In flower of youth and beautys pride : Happy, happy, happy pair !— None but the brave, none but the brave. None but the brave deserves the fair, Timotheus, placed on high Amid the tuneful quire. With flying fingers touched the lyre ;And trembling notes ascend the sky, And heavenly joys inspire ! As instances of Drydens lighter verse, we present the folk I feed a flame within, which so torments it both pains my heart, and yet contents me ;Tis such a pleasing smart, and so I love I had rather die than once remove he for whom I grieve shall never know it ;My tongue does not betray, nor my eyes show it
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1860, booksu, booksubjectenglishpoetry
