The Wish of Manchán of Liath
I wish, O son of the Living God, ancient eternal King, for a secret hut in the wilderness that it may be my dwelling.
A very blue shallow well to be beside it, a clear pool for washing away sins through the grace of the Holy Ghost.
A beautiful wood close by around it on every side, for the nurture of many-voiced birds, to shelter and hide it.
Facing the south for warmth, a little stream across its enclosure, a choice ground with abundant bounties which would be good for every plant.
A few sage disciples, I will tell their number, humble and obedient, to pray to the King.
Four threes, three fours, fit for every need, two sixes in the church, both south and north.
Six couples in addition to me myself, praying through the long ages to the King who moves the sun.
A lovely church decked with linen, a dwelling for God of Heaven; then, bright candles over the holy white Scriptures.
One room to go to for the care of the body, without wantonness, without voluptuousness, without meditation of evil.
This is the housekeeping I would undertake, I would choose it without concealing; fragrant fresh leeks, ham, speckled salmon, bees.
My fill of clothing and of food from the King of good fame, and
for me to be sitting for a while praying to God in every place.
Irish, 10th century, author unknown. Tr. Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson.
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