| The Deer’s Cry (an extract) |
| There is a legend of how King Laoghaire invited the saint to a conference at Tara on Easter night. His intention was to ambush Patrick and his eight companions. Tradition has it that Patrick composed the hymn known as The Deer’s Cry or the Breastplate as a protection against the ambush. In answer to Patrick’s prayer, all that King Laoghaire’s soldiers saw that night were eight deer and a fawn (the boy, Benignus) passing along the way! | | | I arise today
through
God’ strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me -
against the snares of devils,
against temptation of vices,
against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near,
alone and in a crowd. |
| | | Strong in faith: St Patrick carved in limestone by Seamus Murphy
is in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland. |
| | List of subjects: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | Twin Pillars of Faith
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| | | Ireland as St. Patrick found it
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| | Irish Society at the time of St. Patrick |
| | St. Patrick's Missionary Society
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