Metrical Charm 11: A Journey Charm

I guard myself with this rod and give myself into God's protection,
Against the painful stroke, against the grievous stroke,
Against the grim dread,
Against the great terror which is hateful to each,
And against all evil which may enter the land.
I chant a charm of victory, I bear a rod of victory,
Word-victory, work-victory. May they be of power for me;
That no nightmare hinder me, nor belly-fiend afflict me,
Nor ever fear fall upon my life;
But may the Almighty save me, and the Son and the Holy Ghost,
The Lord worthy of all glory,
And, as I heard, Creator of the heavens.
Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Joseph,
And such men, Moses and David,
And Eve and Hannah and Elizabeth,
Sarah and also Mary, Christ's mother,
And also the brethren, Peter and Paul,
And also thousands of the angels,
I call upon to fend me against all fiends.
May they lead me, and guard me, and protect my path,
Wholly preserve me and rule me,
Shaping my work; may I have the hope of heaven,
A hand to guard my head, saints to shield me,
A company of conquering, righteous angels.
Glad in heart I pray to them all, that Matthew be my helm,
Mark my breastplate, gleaming life's covering,
Luke my sword, sharp and bright-edged,
John my shield, made beautiful in glory, Seraph of those who travel.

Forth I fare; I shall find friends,
All the inspiration of angels, the counsel of the blessed.
I pray now to the God of victory, to the mercy of God,
For a good journey, a mild and gentle
Wind from these shores. I have heard of winds
Which rouse whirling waters. Thus ever preserved
From all fiends may I meet friends,
So that I may dwell in the Almighty's protection,
Guarded from the enemy who seeks my life,
Set amid the glory of the angels,
And in the holy hand of the Mighty One of heaven,
Whilst I may live in this life.—Amen.