TO THE FOUR ARCHANGELS
IF Michael lent his splintering lanceAnd his blue eager blade,Though you with scaly dragons fightYou would not be afraid.If Gabriel should stoop to you,A rainbow in his wings,What luminous secrets you would know,What wise and simple things!If Raphael with you should striveUntil the stars grew dim,Angelic vigour would be yours,The strength of Seraphim.If on your sight great Uriel burned,Whose feet with fire are shod,He’d touch your earthly song of praiseInto a flame for God.Michael, Gabriel, Raphael,Holy Uriel, guard you well.
IF Michael lent his splintering lanceAnd his blue eager blade,Though you with scaly dragons fightYou would not be afraid.If Gabriel should stoop to you,A rainbow in his wings,What luminous secrets you would know,What wise and simple things!If Raphael with you should striveUntil the stars grew dim,Angelic vigour would be yours,The strength of Seraphim.If on your sight great Uriel burned,Whose feet with fire are shod,He’d touch your earthly song of praiseInto a flame for God.Michael, Gabriel, Raphael,Holy Uriel, guard you well.
IF Michael lent his splintering lanceAnd his blue eager blade,Though you with scaly dragons fightYou would not be afraid.
If Gabriel should stoop to you,A rainbow in his wings,What luminous secrets you would know,What wise and simple things!
If Raphael with you should striveUntil the stars grew dim,Angelic vigour would be yours,The strength of Seraphim.
If on your sight great Uriel burned,Whose feet with fire are shod,He’d touch your earthly song of praiseInto a flame for God.
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael,Holy Uriel, guard you well.