O Lord, grant the king a long life
General information
Text used as a coronation anthem and, more generally, to celebrate the anniversary of the sovereign's accession (England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales)
Source of text: Book of Common Prayer 1662.
Settings by composers
- Henry Aldrich SSATB (Variant 2)
- William Child SATB (Variant 1)
- James Hawkins SATB (Variant 1)
- Thomas Weelkes SATB (Variant 2)
See also O Lord, grant the king a long life (Maurice Greene) for an extended version used at the Chapel Royal, Windsor
Texts and Translations
English text
O Lord, grant the king[queen] a long life,
that his[her] years may endure throughout all generations.
He[She] shall dwell before God for ever.
O, prepare thy loving mercy and faithfulness,
that they may preserve him[her].
- Variant 1
As for his[her] enemies, clothe them all with shame;
but upon himself[herself] let his[her] crown flourish.
Hallelujah.
- Variant 2
So shall we [will I} always sing and praise [evermore give thanks unto] thy name [that I may daily perform my vows]. Amen.