Finzi: Dies Natalis, Op. 8: Ii. Rhapsody. Recitativo Stromentato

Will you see the infancy of this sublime and celestial greatness
I was a stranger which at my entrance into the world
Was saluted and surrounded with innumerable joys
My knowledge was divine
I was entertained like an angel
With the works of God in their splendour and glory
Heaven and earth did sing my Creator's praises
And could not make more melody to Adam than to me
Certainly Adam in paradise
Had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world than I
All appeared new and strange at first
Inexpressibly rare and delightful and beautiful
All things were spotless and pure and glorious
The corn was orient and immortal wheat
Which never should be reaped nor was ever sown
I thought it had stood from everlasting to everlasting
The green trees when I saw them first
Transported and ravished me
Their sweetness and unusual beauty
Made my heart leap and almost mad with ecstasy
They were such strange and wonderful things
What venerable creatures did the aged seem
Immortal cherubims
And the young men glittering and sparkling angels
And maids strange seraphic kisses of life and beauty
I knew not that they were born or should die
But all things abide in eternity
I knew not that there were sins or complaints or laws
I dreamed not of poverties contentions or vices
All tears and quarrels were hidden from mine eyes
I saw all in the peace of Eden
Everything was at rest
Free and immortal