Selected Lyrics from Dryden, Collins, Gray, Cowper, and Burns (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1913. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... NOTES LYRICS BY DRYDEN SONG FOR ST. CECILIA'S DAY LINE Most readers of this poem are familiar with Navjok's picture of St. Cecilia seated at the organ with the angels hovering above. St. Cecilia is supposed to have lived during the third century. Legend depicts her as a pure and religious maiden, devoted to the art of music. She is also the legendary inventor of the organ. As the patron saint of music, her day--November 22--was honored by appropriate celebration, and poets were often asked to write verses in her praise. Dryden accordingly wrote the Song for St. Cecilia's Day in 1687, and the Alexander's Feast for the same event ten years later. Pope's Ode on St. Cecilia's Day was written in 1708. 8 Cold and hot and moist and dry: By the ancients these were considered the four elements which composed the universe. 10 And Music's power obey: Great creative labors were conceived by the ancients as produced to the accompaniment of music. 17 Jubal: Gen. 4:21. ALEXANDER'S FEAST Lord Bolingbroke, in reporting a conversation which he had with Dryden, quotes the poet's words concerning this poem: "I have been up all night. My musical friends made me promise to write them an ode for their Feast of St. Cecilia, and I was so struck with the subject which occurred to me that I could not leave it until I had completed it. Here it is, finished at one sitting." 2 Philip's warlike son: Alexander, who overthrew the Persians under Darius in 331 B.C. 9 Thais: not the wife but the favorite of Alexander. After the conquest she is said (on doubtful authority) to have influenced Alexander to destory the Persian capital, Persepolis. 16 Timotheus: a famous bard of the period. It is to be borne in mind that the harpist at the feasts of that time not only played but also sang. Oftentimes t...