Classic Poem

T O THE I NCOMPARABLE Brothers , M R . H ENRY, AND M R . W ILLIAM L AWES (S ERVANTS TO H IS M AJESTIE ) UPON THE SETTING OF THESE P SALMES .

T H e various musick, both for Aire and Art,
These Arch-Musicians, in their sev'rall waies
Compos'd, and Acted, merit higher praise
Then wonder wanting knowledge can impart.
Brothers in blood, in Science and Affection,
Belov'd by those that envie their Renowne,
In a False Time true Servants to the Crowne,
Lawes of themselves, needing no more direction.
The depth of Musique one of them did sound,
The t' other took his flight into the aire:
O then thrice happy and industrious paire,
That both the depth and height of Musique found.
Which my sweet Friend, the life of Lovers pens,
In so milde manner hath attain'd to do,
He looks the better, and his hearers too;
So in exchange all Ladies are his friends.
And when our Meditations are too meane
To keep their raptures longer on the wing,
They soar'd up to that Prophet and that King,
Whose Love is God, and Heav'n his glorious Scene:
Setting his Psalmes, whereby both they and we
May singing rise to immortalitie.
A. T OUNSHEND .