Gloriana, op. 53, Act 1 Scene 2: 1VII. Soliloquy & Prayer Songtext
von Benjamin Britten

On the royal wrist is safe for kings to place their power
But Foe, this spirit longs for home, the peace and
Meadowings of discord′s rush of real and phantom grounds
If life were love, and love but Foe, then
Foe would love it through and through
But God gave me a scepter, the burden and the glory
I must not lay it down
I live and breathe a fortune, will die in honor
May I wear that ancient crown
O God, my king, sole ruler of the world
That pulled me from a prison to a palace to be a sovereign princess
And to rule the people of England Thou has placed me high, but my flesh is frail
Without thee, my throne is unstable
My kingdom tottering, my life uncertain
Oh, maintain in this weak woman, the heart of a man
Eras and courts have beset me from my youth
I bow thy service for the truth of thy grace
Forgive me and protect me, O God, my king
Attending rule and protect my people in peace
Amen
Amen
Amen