CARMINA GADELICA

Ortha nan Gaidheal

FISHING BLESSING

The day of light has come upon us,

Christ is born of the Virgin.

In His name I sprinkle the water

Upon every thing within my court.

Thou King of deeds and powers above,

Thy fishing blessing pour down on us.

I will sit me down with an oar in my grasp,

I will row me seven hundred and seven [strokes].

I will cast down my hook,

The first fish which I bring up

In the name of Christ, King of the elements,

The poor shall have it at his wish.

And the king of fishers, the brave Peter,

He will after it give me his blessing.

Ariel, Gabriel, and John,

Raphael benign, and Paul,

Columba, tender in every distress,

And Mary fair, the endowed of grace.

Encompass ye us to the fishing-bank of ocean,

And still ye to us the crest of the waves.

Be the King of kings at the end of our course,

Of lengthened life and of lasting happiness.

Be the crown of the King from the Three on high,

Be the cross of Christ adown to shield us,

The crown of the King from the Three above,

The cross of Christ adown to shield us.