The Dying Christian to his Soul

The Dying Christian to his Soul was written by Alexander Pope, an English poet of the 18th century. His talent was described as ‘a rose peering into the summer air, fine, rather than powerful,’ but the Biblical and classical influence on his creations are most clearly seen in the Dying Christian. Pope is one of my favorite 18th century poets, and this work is perhaps his best.

Vital spark of heavenly flame,
Quit, Oh quit, this mortal frame;
Trembling, hoping, lingering, flying-
Oh, the pain, the bliss of dying;
Cease, fond Nature, cease thy strife,
And let me languish into life.

Hark! they whisper; angels say,
Sister spirit, come away.
What is this absorbs me quite,
Steals my senses, shuts my sight?
Drowns my spirit, draws my breath;
Tell me, my soul, can this be death?

The world recedes; it disappears;
Heaven opens on my eyes; my ears
With sounds seraphic ring;
Lend, lend your wings! I mount! I fly!
O grave! where is thy victory?
O death! where is thy sting?