My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Psalm 45:1
Words: From The Psalter (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: United Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1912), number 124.
Music: Leominster George W. Martin, 1862 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good picture of Martin (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
My heart doth overflow,
A goodly theme is mine;
My eager tongue with joyful song
Doth praise the King divine.
Supremely fair Thou art,
Thy lips with grace o’erflow;
His richest blessing evermore
Doth God on Thee bestow.
Now gird Thee with Thy sword,
O strong and mighty One;
In splendid majesty arrayed,
More glorious than the sun.
Triumphantly ride forth
For meekness, truth and right;
Thine arm shall gain the victory
In wondrous deeds of might.
Thy strength shall overcome
All those that hate the King,
And under Thy dominion strong
The nations Thou shalt bring.
Thy royal throne, O God,
Forevermore shall stand;
Eternal truth and justice wield
The scepter in Thy hand.
Since Thou art sinless found,
The Lord, Thy God, confessed,
Anointeth Thee with perfect joy,
Thou art supremely blessed.
Thy garments breathe of myrrh
And spices sweet and rare;
Glad strains of heav’nly music ring
Throughout Thy palace fair.
Amid Thy glorious train
Kings’ daughters waiting stand,
And fairest gems bedeck Thy bride,
The queen at Thy right hand.
O royal bride, give heed,
And to my words attend;
For Christ, the King, forsake the world
And every former friend.