An ode on the death of Mr Henry Purcell

Mark how the lark and linnet sing:

With rival notes

They strain their warbling throats

To welcome in the spring.

But in the close of night

When Philomel begins her heav'nly lay,

They cease their mutual spite,

Drink in her music with delight,

And list'ning and silent obey.

So ceas'd the rival crew when Purcell came:

They sung no more, or only sung his fame.

Struck dumb, they all admir'd the matchless man,

Alas, too soon retir'd,

As he too late began.

We beg not Hell our Orpheus to restore:

Had he been there,

Their sovereign's fear

Had sent him back before.

The pow'r of harmony too well they knew;

He long ere this had tun'd their jarring sphere,

And left no Hell below.

The heav'nly choir, who heard his notes from high,

Let down the scale of music from the sky;

They handed him along,

And all the way he taught, and all the way they sung.

Ye brethren of the lyre and tuneful voice,

Lament his lot, but at your own rejoice.

Now live secure, and linger out your days:

The gods are pleas'd alone with Purcell's lays,

Nor know to mend their choice.