Page:Writings of Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland.djvu/119

Rh By these my defenders, My guards against every ban— And spells of smiths, and Druids, and women; In fine, against every knowledge that renders The light Heaven sends us, dim in The spirit and soul of man!

May Christ, I pray, Protect me to-day. Against poison and fire; Against drowning and wounding That so in His grace abounding, I may earn the preacher's hire!

Christ as a light Illumine and guide me! Christ as a shield o'ershadow and cover me! Christ be under me! Christ be over me! Christ be beside me, On left hand and right! Christ be before me, behind me, about me! Christ, this day, be within and without me!

Christ the lowly and meek, Christ the all-powerful, be In the heart of each to whom I speak, In the mouth of each who speaks to me, In all who draw near me, Or see me, or hear me!