Choral Akari Archive

To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord

Hymn Information

Folder: Main I, no. 63
Tune used, name: 'Third Mode Melody'
Composer: Tallis, Thomas (c. 1505–1585); composed in 1561
Lyricist: Green, Fred Pratt (1903–2000); written in 1972
Copyright (text): © 1973, Hope Publishing Company
Source used for representative text: from hymnary.org

Resources and Audios

Sheet music, project file and MIDI:

Audio files (separate parts for Lead, Accompaniment I, Accompaniment II and Bass):

Audio file (all parts combined):

Representative Text

1
To mock your reign, O dearest Lord,
they made a crown of thorns;
set you with taunts along that road
from which no one returns.
They did not know, as we do now,
that glorious is your crown;
that thorns would flower upon your brow,
your sorrows heal our own.

2
In mock acclaim, O gracious Lord,
they snatched a purple cloak,
your passion turned, for all they cared,
into a soldier's joke.
They did not know, as we do now,
that though we merit blame
you will your robe of mercy throw
around our naked shame.

3
A sceptered reed, O patient Lord,
they thrust into your hand,
and acted out their grim charade
to its appointed end.
They did not know, as we do now,
though empires rise and fall,
your Kingdom shall not cease to grow
till love embraces all.