Page:Writings of Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland.djvu/121

Rh I bind this day to me for ever, By power of faith, Christ's Incarnation; His baptism in Jordan river; His death on cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spiced tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of doom; I bind unto myself to-day.

I bind unto myself the power Of the great love of Cherubim; The sweet 'Well done' in judgment hour; The service of the Seraphim, Confessors' faith. Apostles' word, The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls, All good deeds done unto the Lord, And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself to-day The virtues of the star-lit heaven. The glorious sun's life-giving ray, The whiteness of the moon at even, The flashing of the lightning free, The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks, The stable earth, the deep salt sea Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself to-day The power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch. His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need. The wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide. His shield to ward; The Word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guard.