Behold, thy king cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.
Zechariah 9:9
Words: Almer M. Pennewell (1876–1969).
Music: Aberdeen, possibly by Andrew Tait, in James Chalmers’ untitled collection, 1749. Melody from Rudiments of Music, by Robert Bremner, 1756 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good photo of Pennewell (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
So lowly doth the Savior ride
A paltry borrowed beast,
Nor pomp, nor show, nor lofty pride,
Nor boast above the least.
His scepter is His kindliness,
His grandeur is His grace,
His royalty is holiness,
And love is in His face.
’Tis thus the great Messiah came
To break the tyrants’ will,
To heal the people of their shame,
And nobleness instill.
Ride on, O King, ride on Your way,
While men of low degree
Exalt and usher in the day
Of peace we long to see.