Let the chaste Phoenix from the flowry East,
Bring the sweete treasure of her perfum'd nest,
As incense to this Altar, where the name
Of my Castara's grav'd by th' hand of fame.
Let purer Virgins, to redeeme the aire
From loose infection, bring their zealous prayer,
T'assist at this great feast : where they shall see,
What rites Love offers up to Chastity.
Let all the amorous Youth, whose faire desire
Felt never warmth, but from a noble fire,
Bring hither their bright flames: which here shall shine
As Tapers fixt about Castara's shrine.
While I the Priest, my untam'd heart, surprise,
And in this Temple mak't her sacrifice.
I am busy working to bring William Habington's "A Sacrifice" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about William Habington's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "A Sacrifice" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.