THE CANTICLE OF THE SUN.
‘Altissimo, omnipotente, bon Signore’
Most high, Omnipotent, good Lord, to Thee, All glory, honour, praise and blessing be : Thou only art deserving of the same ; No man is worthy to pronounce Thy Name. Praised be my God for creatures, every one ; And praised be Thou, my Lord, for Brother Sun, Thy gift to us that he our day may light. Most beautiful is he, and passing bright ; Radiant in splendour — for in him we see Displayed to us a glorious type of Thee.
Praise to my Lord for Sister Moon be given, For all the clear and lovely stars of heaven. Praised be my Lord for Brother Wind and Air ; For clouds, and weather — be it dark or fair ;
* These three Canticles of Divine Love are found in all editions of the Works of St. Francis, although some writers think that the first only was composed by the Saint, and ascribe the other two to B. Jacopone of Todi. St. Bernardine of Siena gives them as the composition of St. Francis, and. Ozanam thinks that at the most they were re-touched by B. Jacopene. The author of this beautiful translation has kindly permitted it to be reprinted here. For by their ministry Thou e’er dost give The sustenance whereby all creatures live.
Praise to my Lord for Sister Water be ; Most useful, humble, precious, chaste is she. Praised be my Lord for Brother Fire, so bright ; By whom Thou dost illuminate the night ; For he is lively, and most beautiful ;
And most robust withal, and powerful. Praised be my Lord and God for Mother Earth, Who governs and sustains us ; who gives birth To all the many fruits and herbs that be ; And coloured flowers in rich variety. Praised be my Lord for those who pardon wrong For love of Thee : enduring sorrow long ; Bearing their woes in peace. — Blessed are they ! By the Most High they shall be crown’d one day. Praised be my Lord for Sister Death, from whom No living soul escapes. She brings the doom Of endless woe to all who pass away In guilt of mortal sin. But blessed they Who die in doing Thy most holy Will. To them the Second Death can bring no ill. O praise and bless my Lord right thankfully, And serve ye Him with great humility.