Dies natalis, Op. 8: 2. Rhapsody (Recitativo stromentato) [1990 Remaster] (1990 Remaster)

2. Rhapsody (Recitativo stromentato) (1990 Remaster) - Wilfred Brown/English Chamber Orchestra/Christopher Finzi

Will you see the infancy of this sublime and celestial greatness

I was a stranger which at my entrance into the world

Was saluted and surrounded with innumerable joys

My knowledge was divine I was entertained like an angel

With the works of God in their splendour and glory

Heaven and Earth did sing my creator's praises

And could not make more melody to Adam than to me

Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious

Apprehensions of the world than I

All appeared new and strange at first

Inexpressibly rare and delightful and beautiful

All things were spotless and pure and glorious

The corn was orient and immortal wheat

Which never should be reaped nor was ever sown

I thought it had stood from everlasting to everlasting

The green trees when I saw them first transported and ravished me

Their sweetness and unusual beauty made my heart to leap

And almost mad with ecstasy they were such strange and wonderful things

O what venerable creatures did the aged seem

Immortal cherubims and the young men glittering and sparkling angels

And maids strange seraphic pieces of life and beauty

I knew not that they were born or should die

But all things abided eternally

I knew not that there were sins or complaints or laws

I dreamed not of poverties contentions or vices

All tears and quarrels were hidden from mine eyes

I saw all in the peace of Eden

Everything was at rest free and immortal