Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/1163

 CHARLES WILLIAMS

Prince of Fire, in favour quench Moonlight upon wall and floor;

And with gentle shadow drench Candles entering at the door;

Michael, round about his bed

Be thy great protection shed.

Prince of Air, lest winds rush by

Blustering about the park Of this night, with watchful eye

Keep the palings of the dark; Raphael, round about his bed Be thy great protection shed.

Prince of Water, if thy rains

Must to-night prevent our dearth,

Keep them from the window-panes; Softly let them bless the earth;

Gabriel, round about his bed

Be thy great protection shed.

Prince of Earth, beneath our tread And above each doubtful board

Be thy silent carpet spread,

Let thy stillness hush our lord;

Auriel, round about his bed

Be thy great protection shed.

Let your vast quaternion,

Earth and Water, Fire and Air,

Friend him as he goes upon

His long journey, out to where,

Princes, round his final bed

Be your great protection shed.

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