Handel’s Largo Poem by Richard Watson Gilder

WHEN the great organs, answering each to each,
Joined with the violin's celestial speech,
Then did it seem that all the heavenly host
Gave praise to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
We saw the archangels through the ether winging;
We heard their souls go forth in solemn singing;
'Praise, praise to God,' they sang, 'through endless days;
Praise to the Eternal One, and nought but praise;'
And as they sang the spirits of the dying
Were upward borne from lips that ceased their sighing;
And dying was not death, but deeper living —
Living, and prayer, and praising and thanksgiving!