CELTIC MONK MANCHAN OF OFFALYS POEM
CELTIC MONK MANCHAN OF OFFALY’S POEM
(Composed c. 450-550 A.D.) color:#7A7A7A">
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Arial;color:#339966">Grant me sweet Christ the grace to find— color:#7A7A7A">
Son of the Living God!— color:#7A7A7A">
A small hut in a lonesome spot color:#7A7A7A">
To make it my abode. color:#7A7A7A">
Arial;color:#339966">A little pool but very clear
(To stand beside the place) color:#7A7A7A">
Where all men’s sins are washed away
By sanctifying grace. color:#7A7A7A">
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Arial;color:#339966">A pleasant woodland all about
To shield it from the wind color:#7A7A7A">
And make a home for singing birds
Before it and behind. color:#7A7A7A">
Arial;color:#339966">A southern aspect for the heat
A stream along its foot, color:#7A7A7A">
A smooth green lawn with rich topsoil
Propitious to all fruit. color:#7A7A7A">
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Arial;color:#339966">My choice of men to live with me
And pray to God as well; color:#7A7A7A">
Quiet men of humble mind— color:#7A7A7A">
Their number I shall tell. color:#7A7A7A">
Arial;color:#339966">Four files of three or three of four
To give the psalter forth; color:#7A7A7A">
Six to pray by the south church wall
And six along the north. color:#7A7A7A">
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Arial;color:#339966">Two by two my dozen friends—
To tell the number right— color:#7A7A7A">
Praying with me to move the King
Who gives the sun its light. color:#7A7A7A">
Arial;color:#339966">A lovely church, a home for God
Bedecked with linen fine, color:#7A7A7A">
Where over the white Gospel page
The Gospel candles shine. color:#7A7A7A">
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Arial;color:blue">A little house where all may dwell
And body’s care be sought, color:#7A7A7A">
Where none shows lust or arrogance,
None thinks an evil thought. color:#7A7A7A">
Arial;color:blue">And all I ask for housekeeping
I get and pay no fees, color:#7A7A7A">
Leeks from the garden, poultry, game,
Salmon and trout and bees. color:#7A7A7A">
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Arial;color:blue">My share of clothing and of food,
From the King of fairest face,
And I to sit at times alone, color:#7A7A7A">
And pray in every place. color:#7A7A7A">
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