1. Be Thou My Vision Original Gaelic: Dallan Forgaill
English Translation: Mary E. Byrne
Lyrics: Eleanor H. Hull
Music: Unknown
Modern Irish Translation: Hugh Duggan
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2. 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.
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Narrated Text

3. 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).
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Narrated Text

4. 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.
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Narrated Text

5. 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.
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Narrated Text

6. 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.
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Narrated Text

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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