Ancient Irish monk's poem

(In this poem Manchan tells how he went off to be a Hermit, but disciples gathered around him, and he found himself the head of a small group of monks! This is how Celtic monasteries often began in the time period of 500-1100 A.D. The poem describes what these early type of monastic communities were like. They were small in number, twelve monks being considered the right size. We first read this poem in the Visitor's Center at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, where the Book of Kells is on display.

St. Manchan of Offaly's Poem:

(Composed Circa 450-550 A.D.)



Grant me sweet Christ the grace to find---

Son of the Living God!---

A small hut in a lonesome spot

To make it my abode.



A little pool but very clear

To stand beside the place

Where all men's sins are washed away

By sanctifying grace.



A pleasant woodland all about

To shield it from the wind

And make a home for singing birds

Before it and behind.



A southern aspect for the heat

A stream along its foot,

A smooth green lawn with rich topsoil

Propitious to all fruit.



My choice of men to live with me

And pray to God as well;

Quiet men of humble mind---

Their number I shall tell.



Four files of three or three of four

To give the psalter forth;

Six to pray by the south church wall

And six along the north.



Two by two my dozen friends---

To tell the number right---

Praying with me to move the King

Who gives the sun its light.



A lovely church, a home for God

Bedecked with linen fine,

Where over the white Gospel page

The Gospel candles shine.



A little house where all may dwell

And body's care be sought,

Where none shows lust or arrogance,

None thinks an evil thought.



And all I ask for housekeeping

I get and pay no fees,

Leeks from the garden, poultry, game,

Salmon and trout and bees.



My share of clothing and of food,

From the King of fairest face,

And I to sit at times alone,

And pray in every place.