Be Thou My Vision Original Gaelic: Dallan Forgaill English Translation: Mary E. Byrne Lyrics: Eleanor H. Hull Music: Unknown Modern Irish Translation: Hugh Duggan Flute and drum begin playing softly

The ancient text (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride) is often attributed to Dallan Forgaill in the 8th century. It had been part of an Irish Monastic tradition for centuries before the hymn itself was written. It is an example of a lorica, an incantation recited for protection. Flute and drum continue to play softly Narrated Text

It was first translated from ancient Gaelic into English by Mary E It was first translated from ancient Gaelic into English by Mary E. Byrne in “Eriu’”; the Journal of the School of Irish Learning, in 1905. Eleanor H. Hull from England was the founder of “The Irish Text Society.” She adapted the translation into lyrical verses in her book, Poem Book of the Gael (1912). Flute and drum softly Narrated Text

The text is set to the Irish folk hymn; Slane. Slane was named for a hill about ten miles from Tara hill in County Meath, Ireland. The folk song was written about Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland and his defiance of the king on this hill. Flute and drum softly Narrated Text

The High King of Tara, Loigaire, had decreed an edict that no fire could be ignited before the royal fire was lit by the his hand on Tara hill. The royal fire was kindled to celebrate the pagan Spring Festival and symbolized the return of light and change of season following the darkness of winter. Flute and drum softly Narrated Text

According to an account in Confessions of St According to an account in Confessions of St. Patrick, it was on Slane Hill in 433 A.D. that the Irish saint defied the command of Loigaire, by lighting the Pascal candle on Easter Eve. The combined tune was originally published in 1909 in Patrick Joyce's Old Irish Folk Music and Songs. Flute and drum softly Narrated Text

Bí Thusa mo shúile, a Rí mhór na ndúil Líon Thusa mo bheatha mo chéadfaí ‘s mo stuaim Bí Thusa i m’aigne gach oiche’s gach lá Im chodladh no im dhúiseacht lion mé le do ghrá. Add piano and violin Reece solo

Bí Thusa mo threorú i mbriathar is i mbeart fan Thusa go deo liom is coinnigh mé ceart Glac cúram mar Athair is éist le mo ghuí Is tabhair domsa áit cónaí istigh i do chroí. Continue as last

Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of My Heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art! Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Reece solo 2nd line add all voice parts

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight; Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight; Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower: Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power. Key Change 1st line: Angel solo 2nd line and on: add all voice parts

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art. 1st line Shirley Solo 2nd line and on: add all voice parts

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. A Cappella – all voices

High King of Heaven, my victory won, May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. Flute, Drum, Piano, violin All Voices