anthem

Status
Not open for further replies.

jasonlulu_2000

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
China
Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour,

Long may she reign;
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice,
God save The Queen!


I cannot understand the underlined part of the British anthem, especially "on her be pleased to pour". Can any British teacher explain to me?

Thanks!

Jason
 
(Addressing God):

'Give her all the best things you have got.'
 
How should I understand "on her" on the second line? Thanks again.
 
May I take it to mean 'please pour the choicest gifts on her'?

Not a teacher.

Yes. The choicest gifts that you have "in store." The pouring is not literal.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about anything in the national anthem of the UK after verse 1. None of us knows it and, apart from some very formal occasions which would not involve "normal" people, the rest of the verses are not sung. Most British people could tell you all the words to the first verse - after that, it's a mystery.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top