Religion
St. Patrick's Evensong
Translated by Alfred Perceval Graves (1917) · From A Celtic Psaltery (1917)
Christ, Thou Son of God most High,
May thy Holy Angels keep
Watch around us as we lie
In our shining beds asleep.
Time's hid veil with truth to pierce
Let them teach our dreaming eyes,
Arch-King of the Universe,
High-Priest of the Mysteries.
May no demon of the air,
May no malice of our foes,
Evil dream or haunting care
Mar our willing, prompt repose!
May our vigils hallowed be
By the tasks we undertake!
May our sleep be fresh and free,
Without let and without break.
Codex Note
From the Early Irish. Attributed to St Patrick.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Old Irish). “St. Patrick's Evensong.” Translated by Alfred Perceval Graves. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-irish/105/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Old Irish). “St. Patrick's Evensong.” Translated by Alfred Perceval Graves. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-irish/105/.
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