We live well‑ruled by an honoured king

We live well-ruled by an honoured king. 
Beloved of the gods, in a happy isle ; 
Where merry winds of the gay sea bring 
No foe to our shore, and the heavens smile 

On a peaceful folk secure from fear,
Who gather the fruits of the earth at will. 
And hymn their thinks to the gods, and rear 
Their laughing babes unmindful of ill. 

And ever we keep a feast of delight. 
The betrothal of hearts, when spirits unite, 
Creating an offspring of joy, a treasure 
Unknown to the bad, for whom 
The gods foredoom 
The glitter of pleasure
And a dark tomb.

Blessed therefore O newly betrothed are ye. 
The' happy to-day ye be, 
Your happier times ye yet shall see. 
We make our prayer to the gods. 

The sun shall prosper the seasons' yield 
With fuller crops for the wains to bear, 
And feed our flocks in fold and field 
With wholesome water and sweetest air. 

Plenty shall empty her golden horn. 
And grace shall dwell on the brows of youth. 
And love shall come as the joy of morn,
To waken the eyes of pride and truth. 

Blessed therefore thy happy folk are we. 
Tho' happy to-day we be. 
Our happier times are yet to see. 
We render praise to the gods. 

But chiefest of all in the highest height 
To Love that sitteth in timeless might, 
That tameth evil, and sorrow ceaseth. 
And now we wish you again, 
Again and again. 
His joy that encreaseth. 
And a long reign.

by Robert Seymour Bridges (1844-1930) , no title, from Achilles in Scyros, published 1890

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive)

by Cyril Bradley Rootham (1875-1938) , "We live well-ruled by an honoured king", published 1912 [soprano, alto, and SA chorus a cappella (originally composed for strings and harp - not published)], from The Choruses from "Achilles in Scyros", no. 4.

Date added to the website: 2009-01-17.

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