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The Last Song of George Herbert

An account of the poet-priest's final hymn, sung from his deathbed

A brief, recovered anecdote from Walton's life of George Herbert describing the poet's last act - calling for his instrument to sing a hymn shortly before he died.

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Burlington Weekly Free Press · February 25, 1876 · Page 1

1 min read

The Sunday before his death, George Herbert suddenly rose from his bed, called for his instrument, took it into his hand, and said: 'My God, my God, my music shall find thee, and every string shall have his attribute to sing.' And having tuned it, he played and sang: 'The Sundays of man's life, threaded together on time's string, make bracelets to adorn the wife of the eternal, glorious king. On Sundays heaven's door stands open; blessings are plentiful and rife, more plentiful than hope.' Thus he sung on earth such hymns and anthems as the angels and he now sing in heaven. - Walton

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