Thus nature tuned her mournful tongue

General information

This is a poem by Isaac Watts, from Horae Lyricae, 1706, Book 2, entitled The Comforts of a Friend.

Settings by composers (automated)

• Oliver Holden — Edenton  English STB

 

Text and translations

English text 1. Thus nature tuned her mournful tongue, Till grace lift up her head ; Reversed the sorrow and the song, And, smiling, thus me said: 2. Were kindred spirits born for cares? Must every grief be mine? Is there a sympathy in tears, Yet joys refuse to join? 3. Forbid it, heaven, and raise my love, And make our joys the fame: So bliss and friendship joined above, Mix an immortal flame.

4. Sorrows are lost in vast delight That brightens all the soul, As deluges of dawning light O'er-whelm the dusky pole. 5. Pleasures in long succession reign, And all my powers employ: Friendship but shifts the pleasing scene, And fresh repeats the joy. 6. Life has a soft and silver thread, Nor is it drawn too long: Yet, when my vaster hopes persuade, I'm willing to be gone.

7. Fast as ye please, roll down the hill,. And haste away my years; Or I can wait my Father's will, And dwell beneath the spheres. 8. Rise glorious, every future sun, Gild all my following days; But make the last dear moment known By well distinguished rays.

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