John Milton. (1608–1674). Complete Poems.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| Upon the Circumcision |
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| (1634) |
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| YE flaming Powers, and wingèd Warriors bright, | |
| That erst with music, and triumphant song, | |
| First heard by happy watchful Shepherds’ ear, | |
| So sweetly sung your joy the clouds along, | |
| Through the soft silence of the listening night,— | 5 |
| Now mourn; and if sad share with us to bear | |
| Your fiery essence can distill no tear, | |
| Burn in your sighs, and borrow | |
| Seas wept from our deep sorrow, | |
| He who with all Heaven’s heraldry whilere | 10 |
| Entered the world, now bleeds to give us ease. | |
| Alas! how soon our sin | |
| Sore doth begin | |
| His infancy to seize! | |
| O more exceeding Love, or Law more just? | 15 |
| Just Law indeed, but more exceeding Love! | |
| For we, by rightful doom remediless, | |
| Were lost in death, till He, that dwelt above | |
| High-throned in secret bliss, for us frail dust | |
| Emptied his glory, even to nakedness; | 20 |
| And that great Covenant which we still transgress | |
| Intirely satisfied, | |
| And the full wrath beside | |
| Of vengeful Justice bore for our excess, | |
| And seals obedience first with wounding smart | 25 |
| This day; but oh! ere long, | |
| Huge pangs and strong | |
| Will pierce more near his heart. | |
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