I’ve been working on a few metrical psalms with an unusual rhyme scheme. The model is the thousand-year-old hymn my Anglican church uses for its Feast of Dedication: “Only Begotten, Word of God eternal” (9th century). This is one of the few church hymns that is amazing to sing despite the fact that several of its stanzas use slant rhyme or don’t rhyme at all.
Admittedly, the ancient tune “Rouen a Rouen” makes up a good bit of the enjoyment. (This tune also goes by the name “Iste Confessor.”)
Given that Psalm 110 is about the second coming of Christ, it seems a good psalm for the start of Advent.
To Thee, O Christ, the steadfast word is spoken:
Thou art the Son, Thou art the sole Begotten:
To Thee all hosts of flesh or angel power
Their praises render.
Thine is the order of the Priest of Salem,
He who began not, who remaineth living,
Greater than Aaron, greater far than Abram,
Still interceding.
Thy people, willing, shall behold Thy glory
When at Thy coming, dawn shall break unending.
Blessings attend Thee like the dew of morning,
On men descending.
Lord, by Thy coming to restore Thy kingdom,
By Thine avenging on Thy raging foemen,
Rise to our help, return to our rejoicing,
Regent of heaven!
The Middle Room 