Living
Sea Prayer
Translated by Alexander Carmichael (1900) · From Carmina Gadelica, vol. I (1900): Labour
Helmsman: Blest be the boat.
Crew: God the Father bless her.
Helmsman: Blest be the boat.
Crew: God the Son bless her.
Helmsman: Blest be the boat.
Crew: God the Spirit bless her.
All: God the Father,
God the Son,
God the Spirit,
Bless the boat.
Helmsman: What can befall you
And God the Father with you?
Crew: No harm can befall us.
Helmsman: What can befall you
And God the Son with you?
Crew: No harm can befall us.
Helmsman: What can befall you
And God the Spirit with you?
Crew: No harm can befall us.
All: God the Father,
God the Son,
God the Spirit,
With us eternally.
Helmsman: What can cause you anxiety
And the God of the elements over you?
Crew: No anxiety can be ours.
Helmsman: What can cause you anxiety
And the King of the elements over you?
Crew: No anxiety can be ours.
Helmsman: What can cause you anxiety
And the Spirit of the elements over you
Crew: No anxiety can be ours.
All: The God of the elements,
The King of the elements,
The Spirit of the elements,
Close over us,
Ever eternally.
Codex Note
Gaelic: Urnuigh Mhara. Carmina Gadelica I, no. 121, Labour.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “Sea Prayer.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/120/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “Sea Prayer.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/120/.
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