MOF PSA Chapter 45

From the Choirmaster’s collection of Korahite songs. To the tune of “The Lilies.” An ode or love-song.

45 Anoble theme inspires my soul!

Let me recite my verses to the king,

with tongue as swift as a scribe’s nimble pen.

2 You are fairer than all mortals,

charm is playing on your lips,

as you are ever blessed by God.

3 O hero, gird your sword upon your thigh,

array yourself in splendour and in state.

4 Success to you, as you ride forth

to succour loyal men, humble and just!

And may your courage lead to deeds of dread!

5 Sharp are your arrows; nations fall before you,

and the king’s foes lose heart.

6 Your throne shall stand for evermore;

for, since your sceptre is a sceptre just,

7 since right you love and evil you abhor,

so God, your God, crowns you with bliss

above your fellow-kings.

8 Fragrant are your robes with orris, myrrh, and aloes;

music of ivory harps is ravishing your heart;

9 kings’ daughters in their jewels move to meet you,

and on your right your queen wears gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, O bride, and bend your ear!

Forget your own folk and your father’s house;

11 and when the king desires your beauty,

yield to him—he is your lord.

12 So Tyrian traders with their gifts shall sue your favour

the wealthiest in the land shall offer you their treasures.

13 In pearls and gold embroidery

this daughter of a king is decked;

14 she is led to the king in coloured robes,

with the maidens of her train,

15 moving into the palace of the king

with gladness and rejoicing.

16 Your sons shall step into your fathers’ place,

and rise to be princes all over the land,

17 carrying your name on from age to age,

till nations praise you evermore.