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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

In the story of Ivanhoe there are two itinerant Jews, Isaac of York and his beautiful daughter Rebecca. Rebecca is sadly the object of unwanted attentions by a villainous Norman Templar knight - Sir Reginald Front-de-Boeuf. He abducts Rebecca to his castle at Torquilstone. Here she is imprisoned in an isolated room in one of the castle's turrets, and prays for her deliverance.

It is considered¹ that this prayer is perhaps the most beautiful number in the entire work. Eventually she is rescued  by none other than Ivanhoe. Although she loves him, she volunteers to go away with her father to free Ivanhoe to marry Rowena, so all ends very well!

Lord of our chosen race

O awful depth below the castle wall!
Sheer down it falls and bare.
No smallest weed can find a cranny there.
O for the wings of which the psalmist sang,
That I might fly, and hide me from all eyes.
O Lord Jehovah!
Aid me in this hour!

Lord of our chosen race,
In hour of deep distress and utter loneliness.
I lift weak hands and pray thee of Thy grace,
Guard me, Jehovah, Guard me,
 Guard me, guard me,
Guard me, Jehovah,
Guard me!

Lord, on Thy name I cry
From depths where no man hears, 
And half distraught with fears!
Stretch forth Thine arms to save me or I die,
Guard me, Jehovah, Guard me,
 Guard me, guard me,
Guard me, Jehovah,
Guard me!

Spirit, who movest everywhere
O thou, who knows't the deeps of the sea
And climbest the heights o' the air,
Now in this narrow place,
I pray Thee of thy grace descend to me,
Descend to me,
I pray Thee of thy grace, - 
I pray Thee of thy grace descend to me!
Guard, in mercy guard, -
O guard me!

If you would like to hear another prayer (of a somewhat different kind listen to Laine's Prayer.

OR

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Footnote 1: If you feel you would like further details of this powerful cri de coeur, check out our bibliography under Rees and Spencer.

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