The Bell and the Silver Swan

[sawyl]

Via a YouTube link to Orlando Gibbons' magnificent madrigal The Silver Swan, I've been reminded of its appearance at a pivotal moment in Iris Murdoch's The Bell:

Then from across the lake came sharply and delicately the voices of the madrigal singers. The voices plied and wove, supporting and answering each other in the enchanting and slightly absurd precision of the madrigal. Most clearly heard was Catherine's thin triumphant soprano, retain and re-asserting the melody. It was too far away to catch the words, but Michael knew them well.

The silver swan that living has no note,
When death approaches unlocked her silent throat.
Leaning her brest against the reedy shore
She sang her first and last, and no more.

The song came to an end. Toby and Michael smiled at each other and began to walk slowly towards the ferry. It was too magical a time for hurrying. Then as they neared the lake, another sound was heard. Michael could not at first think what it was; then he recognised the rising crescendo of a jet engine. From a tiny mutter the noise rose in an instant to a great tearing roar that ripped the heavens apart.

The destruction of the afternoon calm by the jet fighters clearly foreshadows the disintegration of the fragile peace of the Imber community as it is torn about by internal tensions...