Revised translation by Dinah Livingstone
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
to you be praise, glory, honour, and all blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human being is worthy to speak of you.
Praise be to you, my Lord, with all your creatures,
especially through Sir Brother Sun,
who brings the day; you give us light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in his shining.
He is a sign of you, Most High.
Praised be you, my Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars.
In the heavens you have made them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be you, my Lord, for Brother Wind
and for air and cloud, clear sky and all weather,
through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Praised be you, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble, precious and clean.
Praised be you, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
by whom you light up the night
and he is beautiful, cheerful, robust and strong.
Praised be you, my Lord for our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds and governs us
and bears different fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praised be you, my Lord, for those who forgive for your love’s sake,
and suffer sickness and distress.
Happy are those who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be you, my Lord, for our Sister Bodily Death
from whom no one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy are those she finds doing your most holy will,
as the second death will not harm them.
Praise and bless my Lord and give thanks
and serve him with great humility.
Composed by Francis of Assisi in 1224 in the Umbrian dialect. Revised translation by Dinah Livingstone.