Caedmon's Hymn

Now we must praise heaven-kingdom’s Guardian,
the Measurer’s might and his mind-plans,
the work of the Glory-Father,
when he of wonders of every one,
eternal Lord, the beginning established.
He first created for men's sons heaven as a roof,
holy creator; then middle-earth
mankind’s Guardian, eternal Lord,
afterwards made- for men earth,
Master almighty.

All praise to thee, my God, this night

All praise to thee, my God, this night,

For all the blessings of the light;
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
Beneath thine own almighty wings.

Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son,
The ills that I this day have done;
That with the world, myself, and thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

O may my soul on thee repose,
And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close;
Sleep that may me more vig'rous make
To serve my God when I awake.

When in the night I sleepless lie,
My soul with heav'nly thoughts supply;
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,
No pow'rs of darkness me molest.

O when shall I in endless day
For ever chase dark sleep away,
And hymns with the supernal choir
Incessant sing, and never tire!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heav'nly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

~ Thomas Ken, 1637-1710


can be sung to Tallis' Canon