Jubilate Agno

Christopher Smart's "Jubilate Agno" is an extraordinary 18th-century poem, celebrated for its unique structure and fervent devotion. Composed during Smart's confinement in a mental asylum, it is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of language amidst adversity. The poem unfolds as a liturgical antiphony, featuring a 'LET' section where Smart calls upon various creatures, people, and concepts to praise God, often followed by a 'FOR' section that offers a reason or an observation, frequently whimsical, deeply personal, or profoundly spiritual. From his beloved cat Jeoffry to intricate observations of the natural world and biblical allusions, Smart weaves an expansive tapestry of praise, finding divinity in every detail. It explores themes of salvation, redemption, and the omnipresence of God, reflecting a deeply personal and unconventional approach to religious expression. While challenging in its original manuscript form and fragmented nature, it offers readers a compelling and deeply moving insight into the mind of a brilliant, if troubled, poet.