University of Virginia Library


11

St Patrick called to his own Country

At last his slavery was done.
In great patience for Mary's Son
He had endured so long to keep
Through the hard weather Milcho's sheep,
But hungered still for his own country.
At last a Voice called him that he
Make ready, for the good ship was ready,
The sail was filled and the wind steady.
Two hundred miles from Slemish lay
The unknown ship in Killala Bay;
And Patrick did not know the way,
But his dear Angel guided him.
There were mountains to cross, rivers to swim,
Evil places and dangerous places,
Quaking bogs, unplumbed morasses.
He needs no compass for a guide
Who has an Angel by his side.