Lyrics - The Coronation Anthem

By Leo King

 

(composition originally commenced Tuesday 14th May 1996)

 

Core text taken from (The Life and Death of) King John (c. 1594), by William Shakespeare, Act III, Scene 1

 

1.

What hath this day deserv’d ? what hath it done

That it in golden letters should be set

Among the high tides in the calendar ?

 

‘Fugue’

To solemnize this day the glorious sun

Stays in his course and plays the alchemist,

Turning with splendour of his precious eye

… (O !) Fortune, O !

 

2.

The yearly course that brings this day about

Shall never see it but a holiday…

Nature and Fortune join’d to make thee great

… with the half-blown rose (the English Rose)

 

 

© 1996-2023 Leo King