Girton College Grace
Words by A.Duke, Music by J.Vlasto
Benedic Domine, nobis et omnibus huius collegii alumnis,
donisque tuis quae de munificentia tua sumus iam sumpturae;
et illis salubriter nutritae debitas tibi gratias pie reddamus.
Custodi quaesumus domine filias tuas,
et consule necessitatibus animarum et corporum,
hoc ipso momento et in aeternum.
Note: The original text of the grace was composed and set to music for two voices, about 1950. Thirty years on, after men had been admitted to the College, a few words were adapted and a four part setting provided, for alternative use.
Alternative Version
Benedic Domine, nobis et omnibus huius collegii alumnis,
donisque tuis quae de munificentia tua sumus iam sumpturi;
et illis salubriter nutriti debitas tibi gratias pie reddamus.
Custodi, quaesumus, Domine filios et filias
et consule necessitatibus animarum et corporum,
hoc ipso momento et in aeternum.
Translation
Bless us , O Lord, and all members of this college, and also thy gifts, which of thy bounty we are about to receive; and having been wholesomely nourished by the same let us dutifully render to thee the thanks that are owed. Protect, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy [sons and] daughters and provide for the needs both of our souls and bodies, at this present time and for evermore.