Most high, omnipotent, good Lord,
Praise, glory, honor and benediction—all are yours.
To you alone do they belong, Most High,
And there is no one fit to mention you.

Praise be to you, my Lord,
   With all your creatures,
Especially to my worshipful Brother Sun,
Who lights up the day,
And through him do you give brightness;
And beautiful is he and radiant with great splendor;
Most High, he represents you to us.

Praised be my Lord,
   For Sister Moon and for the stars,
In heaven you have formed them clear
   And precious and fair.

Praised be my Lord,
   For Brother Wind
And for the air and clouds and fair
   and every kind of weather,
By whom you give your creatures nourishment:
Praised be my Lord for Sister Water,
Who is greatly helpful and humble
   And precious and pure.

Praised be my Lord for Brother Fire,
By whom you light up the dark,
And fair is he and gay and mighty and strong.

Praised be my Lord for our sister, Mother Earth,
Who sustains and keeps us
And brings forth diverse fruits with grass
   And flowers bright.

Praised be my Lord for those
   Who for your love forgive
And bear weakness and tribulation.
Blessed those who shall in peace endure,
For by you, Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be my Lord for our Sister,
   The Bodily Death,
From whom no living person can flee.
Woe to them who die in mortal sin;
Blessed those who shall find themselves
   In your most holy will,
For the second death shall do them no ill.

Praise you and bless you my Lord,
   And give him thanks,
And be subject unto him with great humility.

The Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi,
Translated By Father P. Robinson (Dolphin Press, 1906)