The Legend Of St Cecilia And The Angel.

Author: William Lisle Bowles

     'Twas when, O meekest eve! thy shadows dim
     Were slowly stealing round,
     With more impassioned sound
     Divine Cecilia sang her vesper hymn,
     And swelled the solemn chord
     In hallelujahs to thy name, O Lord!
     And now I see her raise
     Rapt adoration's gaze,
     With lips just opening, and with humid eyes
     Uplifted; whilst the strain
     Now sinks, now swells again;
     Now rising, seems to blend with heaven's own harmonies.
     But who is that, divinely fair,
     With more than mortal beauty in his mien;
     With eyes of heavenly hue and glistening hair,
     His white and ample wings half seen!
     O radiant and immortal guest!
    Why hast thou left thy seraph throng,
     On earth the triumph to attest
    Of Beauty, Piety, and Song!
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is a rich exploration of the themes of divine inspiration, beauty, and the power of song, presented in a vividly descriptive and emotive manner. It opens with a serene evening setting, preparing the stage for the divine hymn sung by Cecilia. The persona's devotion, reflected in her 'hallelujahs' to the Lord, introduces a religious undertone, emphasizing the spiritual connection through music.

The poet utilizes an alternating rhythm to mirror the ebb and flow of Cecilia's hymn, creating a sense of musicality within the poem itself. This structure, paired with evocative imagery such as 'lips just opening, and with humid eyes', creates a dynamic and immersive experience for the reader. The arrival of the 'divinely fair' seraph provides a poignant climax to the poem, reinforcing the themes of divine inspiration and beauty.

The tone throughout is reverential and awestruck, capturing the awe and wonder of witnessing such a divine event. The use of exclamation marks further underscores the persona's emotional response. This admiration culminates in the final lines, as the seraph, a symbol of heavenly beauty and purity, arrives to bear witness to the 'triumph' of Beauty, Piety, and Song on earth, thereby uniting the mortal and the divine.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.