La Fheile Padraig Sona Daoibh – A Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to You

For Saint Patrick’s day, 2017, an Englishing of a poem attributed to Saint Manchan of Offaly, one of those converted to Christianity by Saint Patrick.

“Grant me, sweet Christ the grace to find –

Son of the Living God –

A small hut in a lonesome spot

To make it my abode.

“A little pool, but very clear

To stand beside the place

Where all men’s sins are washed away

By sanctifying grace.

“A pleasant woodland all about

To shield it from the wind

And make a home for singing birds

Before it and behind.

“A southern aspect for the heat,

A stream along its foot

A smooth green lawn with rich top soil

Propitious to all fruit.

“My choice of men to live with me

And pray to God as well.

Quiet men of humble mind

Their number I shall tell.

“Four files of three or three of four

To give the psalter forth

Six to pray by the south church wall

And six along the north.

“Two by two my dozen friends –

To tell the number right –

Praying with me to move the King

Who gives the sun its light.

“A lovely church, a home for God

Bedecked with linen fine

Where over the white Gospel page

The Gospel candles shine.

“A little house where all may dwell

And body’s care be sought

Where none shows lust or arrogance

None thinks an evil thought.

“And all I ask for housekeeping

I get and pay no fees ,

Leeks from the garden, poultry, game

Salmon and trout and bees.

“My share of clothing and of food

From the King of fairest face,

And I to sit at times alone

And pray in every place.”

Amen.