Alfred H. Miles, ed. The Sacred Poets of the Nineteenth Century. 1907.

By Benedicite (Selected Rondels). II. “Ye Heavens, with your encircling blue”

Richard Wilton (1827–1903)

O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord; praise Him and magnify Him for ever.

YE Heavens, with your encircling blue,

Prepare a temple for His praise;

An azure dome of song upraise,

Distilling music like the dew:

Let angels warble out of view,

And men reply with gladsome lays:

Ye Heavens, with your encircling blue,

Prepare a temple for His praise.

Ye larks, to rosy dawn be true,

Ascending your melodious ways;

Ye linnets, charm the listening days,

And nightingales, the strain renew:

Ye Heavens, with your encircling blue

Prepare a temple for His praise.