Early, O Lord, my fainting soul, Z 132 (Henry Purcell)

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• (Posted 2017-07-14)  CPDL #45435:       

Editor: Raymond Nagem (submitted 2017-07-14).   Score information: Letter, 9 pages, 151 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Edited from British Library Add. MS 30930, f. 26r–27v. Contains an editorial realization of the continuo part.

General Information

Title: Early, O Lord, my fainting soul, Z 132
Composer: Henry Purcell
Text: Psalm 63:1–9, paraphrased by John Patrick

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicings: SSAB or SSTB
Genre: Sacred, Anthem

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published:
Description: The alto part may be sung by a high tenor.

Original text and translations

English text

Early, O Lord, my fainting soul
Thy mercy does implore;
No traveller in desert lands
Can thirst for water more.

I long to appear as I was wont,
Within thy holy place,
Thy pow'r and glory to behold,
And to partake thy grace.

For life itself without thy love
No relish can afford;
No other joys can equal this:
To serve and praise the Lord.

I'll therefore make my pray'rs to thee,
And bless thee whilst I live;
This, like the choicest dainties, will
Both food and pleasure give.

When others sleep, my wakeful thoughts
Present thee to my mind;
And in the night I think how good
My God has been and kind.

Since thou alone hast been my help,
To thee alone I fly;
And on thy watchful providence
With cheerfulness rely.

Dangers, whilst thou art near to me,
Do threaten me in vain,
When I keep close to God, his care
And pow'r will me sustain.

Original text and translations may be found at Psalm 63