A noble theme inspires my heart

A noble theme inspires my heart with verses for the king; My tongue’s a skilful writer’s pen, composing lines to sing.

You far excel the best of men; your lips are full of grace, For God has blessed you evermore; his light shines on your face.

O mighty one, take up your sword and bind it on your thigh; With glorious splendour clothe yourself and with your majesty.

Ride forth in state victoriously for meekness, truth and right; Let your right hand display your deeds of awesome power and might.

Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of those who hate the king; And all the nations of the earth into subjection bring.

Your royal throne, O God, will last throughout eternity; Your kingdom’s sceptre will be one of truth and equity.

Anointing you with oil of joy, your God has made you great, Because you care for righteousness, and wickedness you hate.

With aloes, myrrh and cassia in fragrant robes you’re clad; From palaces of ivory stringed music makes you glad.

Among the women of your court king’s daughters take their stand; The royal bride in finest gold appears at your right hand.

O daughter, listen and give ear, consider what I say; You must forget your father’s house, your people far away.

Because your beauty is so great, the king is held in thrall. He is your lord; give him respect, before him humbly fall.

Inhabitants of Tyre will come to offer gifts to you; And wealthy people will approach your favour to pursue.

In glorious gold-embroidered robes the princess waits within; In richly ornamented clothes she’s brought before the king.

Attendant maidens follow her and so to you are led; They enter and with great delight the palace courts they tread.

In places where your fathers stood your sons will take their stand; You’ll make them princes of the realm to rule throughout the land.

I will perpetuate your fame through everlasting days; Therefore the nations of the world will ever sing your praise.