522. Bride of Christ hymn

Here's an attempt to adapt Song of Songs chapter 2 as a hymn. It doesn't say so explicitly, but the hymn is meant to suggest that the subject matter is the Holy Church, of which all faithful Christians are members. Metaphor, don'tcha know. I would like to have colored it in with more circumstantial detail, like lilies and raisin cakes and whatnot, like the original poem by Solomon, but metrical constraints etc. prevented me. So, with that excuse, please view the following kindly – and suggest a tune if you will, because I have none in mind.

Bride of Christ, as fair and pure
As a maiden all demure,
How your heart will soon rejoice
At your Bridegroom's loving voice!
Scented praises upward yield,
Sweetest flower of the field!

Husband gently, Lord, this flow'r,
Planted, pruned for just this hour:
Let no thorn her hue o'erwhelm,
Nor the apple tree by elm.
Stay Your Bride with ev'ry good;
Cheer her heart with heav'nly food.

Cherish her, Lord, with Your hand;
As her wall and bulwark stand.
Let the banner of Your love
Fly before her and above;
In the secret clefts be seen,
Where she'll dwell, safe and serene.

Till day breaks and shadows flee,
Keep her Yours, and hers still be.
Draw her to Your banquet hall;
With a voice of singing call,
And when all is made complete
Set her on a queenly seat.

IMAGE: King Solomon and his wife, Pharaoh's daughter. Public domain per Wikimedia Commons.