Christ�s Cross
Ascribed to Columbcille
CHRIST�S cross over this face,
and thus over my ear.
Christ�s cross over this eye.
Christ�s cross over this nose.
Christ�s cross over this mouth.
Christ�s cross over this throat.
Christ�s cross over the back of this head.
Christ�s cross over this side.
Christ�s cross over this belly
(so is it fitting).
Christ�s cross over this lower belly.
Christ�s cross over this back.
Christ�s cross over my arms
from my shoulders to my hands.
Christ�s cross over my thighs.
Christ�s cross over my legs.
Christ�s cross to accompany me before me.
Christ�s cross to accompany me behind me.
Christ�s cross to meet every difficulty
both on hollow and hill.
Christ�s cross eastwards facing me.
Christ�s cross back towards the sunset.
In the north, in the south unceasingly
may Christ�s cross straightway be.
Christ�s cross over my teeth
lest injury or harm come to me.
Christ�s cross over my stomach.
Christ�s cross over my heart.
Christ�s cross up to broad (?) Heaven.
Christ�s cross down to earth.
Let no evil or hurt come
to my body or my soul.
Christ�s cross over me as I sit.
Christ�s cross over me as I lie.
Christ�s cross be all my strength
till we reach the King of Heaven.
Christ�s cross over my community.
Christ�s cross over my church.
Christ�s cross in the next world;
Christ�s cross in this.
From the top of my head
to the nail of my foot,
O Christ, against every danger
I trust in the protection of thy cross.
Till the day of my death,
before going into this clay,
I shall draw without . . .
Christ�s cross over this face.