MEDIÆVAL HYMNS.
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small ones joining in for the greater part, with the whole of their little energy.
I most confess that it does seem to me unseemly in a great gathering of choirs, such as those at Lichfield and Salisbury, to shrink from a difficulty which can be mastered by an ordinary village choir. The words, mangled by a chant, lose three-fourths of their meaning: the music being so extremely—if I may use the expression—picturesque, and the translation having been made expressly and rigidly with reference to it.1. The strain upraise of joy and praise, Alleluia.
2. To the glory of their King
Shall the ransom'd people sing Alleluia.
3. And the Choirs that dwell on high
Shall re-echo through the sky Alleluia.
4. They through the fields of Paradise that roam,
The blessed ones, repeat through that bright home Alleluia.
5. The planets glittering on their heavenly way,
The shining constellations, join, and say Alleluia.
6. Ye clouds that onward sweep!
Ye winds on pinions light!
Ye thunders, echoing loud and deep!
Ye lightnings, wildly bright!
In sweet consent unite your Alleluia.
