ODE ON MARTYRDOM

 Words: Isaac Watts, in Lyric Poems, 1706, an adaptation 
   of a Latin epigram by Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski
 Music: Oliver King, in Stephen Jenks, The Delights of
   Harmony; or, Norfolk Compiler, 1805 

         Casimiri Epigramma 100.

In Sanctum Ardalionem qui ex Mimo Christianus factus Martyrium passus est.

 Ardalio sacros deridet carmine Ritus,
 Festaque non aequa voce Theatra quatit.
 Audiit Omnipotens; 'Non est opus,' inquit, 'hiulce
 Fulmine; tam facilem, Gratia, vince Virum.'
 Deserit illa Polos, et deserit iste Theatrum,
 Et tereti sacrum volvit in Ense Caput.
 'Sic, sic, inquit, abit nostrae Comoedia Vitae;
 Terra vale, Caelum plaude, Tyranne feri.'
                               
         Matthias Casimirus Sarbievius (1595-1640)


 On Saint Ardalio, who from a Stage-Player became a Christian, 
  and suffered Martyrdom.

 Ardalio jeers, and in his Comick Strains 
 The Mysteries of our bleeding God profanes, 
 While his loud Laughter shakes the painted Scenes. 

 Heaven heard, and strait around the smoaking throne 
 The kindling Lightning in thick flashes shone, 
 And vengeful Thunder murmur'd to be gone. 

 Mercy stood near and with a smiling brow 
 Calm'd the loud Thunder: "There's no need of  you; 
 Grace shall descend, and the weak Man subdue."

 Grace leaves the Skies, and he the Stage forsakes; 
 He bows his Head down to the Martyring Ax, 
 And as he bows, this gentle Farewel speaks: 

 "So goes the Comedy of Life away: 
 Vain Earth, adieu; Heaven will applaud to day;
 Strike, Courteous Tyrant, and conclude the Play.
	
				Isaac Watts (1674-1748)