Late Lyrics and Earlier

Barthelemon At Vauxhall

Francois Hippolite Barthelemon, first-fiddler at Vauxhall Gardens,

composed what was probably the most popular morning hymn-tune ever

written. It was formerly sung, full-voiced, every Sunday in most

churches, to Bishop Ken's words, but is now seldom heard.

He said: "Awake my soul, and with the sun," . . .

And paused upon the bridge, his eyes due east,

Where was emerging like a full-robed priest

The irradiate globe that vouched the dark as done.

It lit his face--the weary face of one

Who in the adjacent gardens charged his string,

Nightly, with many a tuneful tender thing,

Till stars were weak, and dancing hours outrun.

And then were threads of matin music spun

In trial tones as he pursued his way:

"This is a morn," he murmured, "well begun:

This strain to Ken will count when I am clay!"

And count it did; till, caught by echoing lyres,

It spread to galleried naves and mighty quires.