Scripture Verse

Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom. Matthew 20:21

Introduction

portrait
William H. Monk
1823–1889
© National Portrait Gallery

Words: John H. New­man, in Ly­ra Ap­os­to­li­ca, 1836.

Music: St. Mag­nus at­trib­ut­ed to Jer­e­mi­ah Clarke, in The Di­vine Com­pan­ion, se­cond ed­i­tion, by Hen­ry Play­ford (Lon­don: 1707). Har­mo­ny by Will­iam H. Monk, 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
John H. Newman
1801–1890

Lyrics

Two brothers freely cast their lot
With David’s royal Son;
The cost of conquest counting not,
They deem the battle won.

Brothers in heart, they hope to gain
An undivided joy,
That man may one with man remain,
As boy was one with boy.

Christ heard; and willed that James should fall
First prey of Satan’s rage;
John linger out his fellows all,
And die in bloodless age.

Now they join hands once more above
Before the Conqueror’s throne!
Thus God grants prayer; but in His love
Makes times and ways His own.

All glory to the Father be,
All glory to the Son,
All glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee
While endless ages run.