Tallis, Thomas: Let God arise


Let God arise (1567)

Let God arise in majesty
And scattered be his foes.
Yea, flee they all his sight in face,
To him which hateful goes.
As smoke is driven and cometh to naught,
Repulse their tyranny.
At face of fire, as wax doth melt,
God’s face the bad must flee.

Words: Matthew Parker (1504–75), based on Psalm 68 vv. 1–2
Music: Thomas Tallis (c. 1505–85)