The uncommon 11.11.11.11 meter of the well-known "Portuguese Hymn", (John F. Wade's "Cantus Diversi" of 1751 which is used as a setting for "How Firm a Foundation") sprang out as a likely rhythmic source for this piece with the feel of a Christian hymn. It sings like a battle hymn of the Cosmic Republic. Setting by Barrand. [Rewards and Fairies] Vocals: Tony Barrand, Andy Davis, John Roberts, Fred Breunig; Concertina: John Roberts; Fiddle: Fred Breunig
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To the Heavens above us
O look and behold
The Planets that love us
All harnessed in gold!
What chariots, what horses
Against us shall bide
While the Stars in their courses
Do fight on our side?
All thought, all desires,
That are under the sun,
Are one with their fires,
As we also are one:
All matter, all spirit,
All fashion, all frame,
Receive and inherit
Their strength from the same.
(Oh, man that deniest
All power save thine own,
Their power in the highest
Is mightily shown.
Not less in the lowest
That power is made clear.
Oh, man, if thou knowest,
What treasure is here!)
Earth quakes in her throes
And we wonder for why!
But the blind planet knows
When her ruler is nigh;
And, attuned since Creation
To perfect accord,
She thrills in her station
And yearns to her Lord.
The waters have risen,
The springs are unbound-
The floods break their prison,
And ravin around.
No rampart withstands 'em,
Their fury will last,
Till the Sign that commands 'em
Sinks low or swings past.
Through abysses unproven
And gulfs beyond thought,
Our portion is woven,
Our burden is brought.
Yet They that prepare it,
Whose Nature we share,
Make us who must bear it
Well able to bear.
Though terrors o'ertake us
We'll not be afraid.
No power can unmake us
Save that which has made.
Nor yet beyond reason
Or hope shall we fall-
All things have their season,
And Mercy crowns all!
Then, doubt not, ye fearful-
The Eternal is King-
Up, heart, and be cheerful,
And lustily sing:-
What chariots, what horses
Against us shall bide
While the Stars in their courses
Do fight on our side?
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