Abimelech an oratorio. As it is performed at the theatre-royal in Covent-Garden [by Christopher Smart]. The Music by Mr. Arnold |
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Abimelech | ||
4
AIR.
To my passion condescending,And my am'rous suit attending,
Take a mighty monarch's part,
Hear love's language thus inviting,
And delighted in delighting,
O restore me heart for heart.
ABRAHAM.
Recitative accompanied.
O great and glorious! at whose footstool fallsThe seraph adoration, and renews
His hymns and praise for ever—hear thy servant:
For all the num'rous realms that know thee not,
And for this king Abimelech, with whom
I sojourn for a season—O prepare
His heart to learn thy judgments, curb his passions,
Lest beauty tempt his ruin—Ah, deceit!
How much art thou beneath me—'twas a fault
To counterfeit at all—yet on this rock
I build my hope eternal—my sincerity,
Which is to God my Saviour.
Abimelech | ||