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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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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 falls
The 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.