Happy Birthday, Dryden

Richardson, John Dryden, 1730

VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS

Creator Spirit, by whose aid

The world's foundations first were laid,

Come, visit ev'ry pious mind;

Come, pour thy joys on human kind;

From sin, and sorrow set us free;

And make thy temples worthy Thee.

O, Source of uncreated Light,

The Father's promis'd Paraclete!

Thrice Holy Fount, thrice Holy Fire,

Our hearts with heav'nly love inspire;

Come, and thy Sacred Unction bring

To sanctify us, while we sing!

Plenteous of grace, descend from high,

Rich in thy sev'n-fold energy!

Thou strength of his Almighty Hand,

Whose pow'r does heav'n and earth command:

Proceeding Spirit, our Defence,

Who do'st the gift of tongues dispence,

And crown'st thy gift with eloquence!

Refine and purge our earthly parts;

But, oh, inflame and fire our hearts!

Our frailties help, our vice control;

Submit the senses to the soul;

And when rebellious they are grown,

Then, lay thy hand, and hold 'em down.

Chase from our minds th' Infernal Foe;

And peace, the fruit of love, bestow;

And, lest our feet should step astray,

Protect, and guide us in the way.

Make us Eternal Truths receive,

And practise, all that we believe:

Give us thy self, that we may see

The Father and the Son, by thee.

Immortal honour, endless fame,

Attend th' Almighty Father's name:

The Saviour Son be glorified,

Who for lost Man's redemption died:

And equal adoration be,

Eternal Paraclete, to thee.

John Dryden, born on this day in 1631