Benjamin Cooke
 (1734 - 1793)

Sweet harmonist (Ode on Handel)
 (A.A.T.T.T.T.B.B.)
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"An Ode on Handel performed at the Commemoration Dinner May 26th, 1785 address'd to the Earl of Exeter, the Earl of Sandwich, the Earl of Uxbridge, Sir Watkin Wms. Wynn Bart. and Sir Richard Jebb Bart. by Benjn. Cooke, Mus. D." (frontispiece). All the dedicatees were patrons of, and participants in, glee singing. It is not impossible that this piece was intended for mass convivial singing by the diners.
Lyrics: Rev. Dr. Scott

Sweet harmonist, whose sounds control
The various movements of the soul:
Now with joy and transport fire us;
Or with tender grief inspire us;
Or awake seraphic love,
Such as angels feel above!
But see what magic holds the list'ning throng!
The very soul is turn'd to ear,
While the full tides of music pour along,
Majestic, deep and clear.

Hail, sweet enchanter of the soul,
Long shall we own thy soft control;
And as returns this festive day,
To thee our free libations pay!
We'll chant thy praise in merry glee,
Wrapt up in harmony and thee!
Nor shall the praises we bestow be vain;
By praises, such as Britons give,
Age and decrepitude forget their pain,
Decay'd musicians live.