The Pilgrim

The Pilgrim by Shaun Davey

I have heard this music on NPR a few times and I've gratefully let it wash through me, thinking someday I'll hunt that down and have it for myself. In particular, I like the cut Deer's Cry. Here's what I found on it this morning:

The Deer's Cry: Rita Connolly, vocal; City of Glasgow Chorus and orchestra. The lyrics are taken from Kuno Meyo's translation of the 8th century poem sometimes, but apparently incorrectly, attributed to St. Patrick and alternatively entitled `St. Patrick's Breastplate'. The opening words in the original Irish, `atom-ruig' translated here as `I arise' have also been translated as 'I gird myself'. This prayer-poem served as a prayer for protection against the perils faced by medieval travellers.
The Deers CryAnon. 8th Century : Translated from old Irish by Kuno Meyer.

I arise today

Through the strength of Heaven
Light of sun
Radiance of moon
Splendour of fire
Speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind
Depth of the sea
Stability of earth
Firmness of rock

I arise today

Through Gods strength to pilot me
Gods eye to look before me
Gods wisdom to guide me
Gods way to lie before me
Gods shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and anear
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel
Merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me
I arise today.