A Preface to All Good Hymn-Books. by Martin Luther, 1483-1546 Text From: THE HYMNS OF MARTIN LUTHER (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1883), p. 1 -Lady Musick Speaketh.- Of all the joys that are on earth Is none more dear nor higher worth, Than what in my sweet songs is found And instruments of various sound. Where friends and comrades sing in tune, All evil passions vanish soon; Hate, anger, envy, cannot stay, All gloom and heartache melt away; The lust of wealth, the cares that cling, Are all forgotten while we sing. Freely we take our joy herein, For this sweet pleasure is no sin, But pleaseth God far more, we know, Than any joys the world can show; The Devil's work it doth impede, And hinders many a deadly deed. Se fared it with King Saul of old; When David struck his harp of gold, So sweet and clear its tones rang out, Saul's murderous thoughts were put to rout. The heart grows still when I am heard, And opens to God's Truth and Word; So are we by Elisha taught, Who on the harp the Spirit sought. The best time of the year is mine, When all the little birds combine To sing until the earth and air Are filled with sweet sounds everywhere; And most the tender nightingale Makes joyful every wood and dale, Singing her love-song o'er and o'er, For which we thank her evermore. But yet more thanks are due from us To the dear Lord who made her thus, A singer apt to touch the heart, Mistress of all my dearest art. To God she sings by night and day, Unwearied, praising Him alway; Him I, too, laud in every song, To whom all thanks and praise belong. _________________________________________________________ Notes: Poem by: Martin Luther Entitled: Lady Musick Speaketh. From: Joseph Klug's Hymn-Book Published in: Wittenberg, 1543 Translated by: Catherine Winkworth ______________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary. E-mail: CFWLibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St.,Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (219) 481-2123 Fax: (219) 481-2126 ______________________________________________________________