Benjamin Britten — For the instruments are by their rhimes

For the instruments are by their rhimes For the shawm rhimes are lawn fawn and the like For the shawm rhimes are moon boon and the like For the harp rhimes are sing ring and the like For the harp rhimes are ring string and the like For the cymbal rhimes are bell well and the like For the cymbal rhimes are toll soul and the like For the flute rhimes are tooth youth and the like For the flute rhimes are suit mute and the like For the bassoon rhimes are pass class and the like For the dulcimer rhimes are grace place and the like For the clarinet rhimes are clean seen and the like For the trumpet rhimes are sound bound and the like For the trumpet of God is a blessed intelligence And so are all the instruments in Heav'n For God the Father Almighty plays upon the harp Of stupendous magnitude and melody For at that time malignity ceases And the devils themselves are at peace For this time is perceptible to man By a remarkable stillness and serenity of soul