Samuel Taylor Coleridge — Faith Hope and Charity. From the Italian of Guarini

FAITH Let those whose low delights to Earth are given        &nbspChaunt forth their earthly Loves! but we        &nbspMust make an holier minstrelsy, And, heavenly-born, will sing the Things of Heaven. CHARITY But who for us the listening Heart shall gain?        &nbspInaudible as of the sphere        &nbspOur music dies upon the ear, Enchanted with the mortal Syren's strain. HOPE Yet let our choral songs abound!        &nbspTh' inspiring Power, its living Source,        &nbspMay flow with them and give them force, If, elsewhere all unheard, in Heaven they sound. ALL Aid thou our voice, Great Spirit! thou whose flame        &nbspKindled the Songster sweet of Israel,        &nbspWho made so high to swell Beyond a mortal strain thy glorious Name. CHARITY AND FAITH Though rapt to Heaven, our mission and our care        &nbspIs still to sojourn on the Earth,        &nbspTo shape, to soothe, Man's second Birth, And re-ascend to Heaven, Heaven's prodigal Heir! CHARITY What is Man's soul of Love deprived? HOPE. FAITH        &nbspIt like a Harp untunéd is,        &nbspThat sounds, indeed, but sounds amiss. CHARITY. HOPE From holy Love all good gifts are derived. FAITH        &nbspBut 'tis time that every nation        &nbspShould hear how loftily we sing. FAITH. HOPE. CHARITY        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspSee, O World, see thy salvation!        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspLet the Heavens with praises ring.        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspWho would have a Throne above,        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspLet him hope, believe and love;        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspAnd whoso loves no earthly song,        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspBut does for heavenly music long,        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspFaith, Hope, and Charity for him,        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspShall sing like wingéd Cherubim.