Begin the high, celestial strain

1 Begin the high celestial strain,
My ravish'd soul, and sing
A solemn hymn of grateful praise
To heav'ns Almighty King.

2 Retain it long, you echoing rocks,
The sacred sound retain;
And from your hollow winding caves
Return it oft again.

3 Bear it, ye winds, on all your wings,
To distant climes away;
And round the wide extended world,
My lofty theme convey.

4 Long let it warble round the spheres,
And echo through the sky;
Till angels, with immortal skill,
Improve the harmony.

5 While I, with sacred rapture fir'd,
The blest Creator sing,
And breathe forth consecrated lays
To heav'ns Almihgty King.

Source: A Selection of Psalms with occasional hymns (Charleston hymnal) #H.XXXIX