Most high, almighty, and good Lord, thine be the praise
and the glory, the honour and every blessing.
To thee alone, most high, are they due;
and no man is worthy to name thee.

Praise to thee, Lord, with all thy creatures;
and above all to Brother Sun, who makes the day that lightens us.
Fair he is, and shineth with great splendour.
Most high, he bears the mark of thee.

Praise to thee, Lord, for Sister Moon, and for the Stars.
In the heavens hast thou framed them, clear and precious and fair.

Praise to thee, Lord, for Brother Wind,
for the air and the cloud, for calm and all weather
by which thou givest sustenance to thy creatures.

Praise to thee, Lord, for Sister Water.
Very Useful is she, and humble, and precious, and chaste.

Praise to thee, Lord, for Brother Fire,
by whom the night is lightened. Lovely is he and blithe,
and lusty, and strong.

Praise to thee, Lord, for our Sister, Mother Earth,
who upholdeth and careth for us, who brings forth the divers fruit,
the painted flowers and the grass.

Praise to thee, Lord, for those who forgive for love of thee,
and bear weakness and tribulations.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, for by thee, most high,
shall they be crowned.

Praise to thee, Lord, for our Sister, the Death of the Body.
From her no man living may escape.
Woe unto them that die in mortal sin!

Blessed are they who find themselves in thy most holy will;
for the second death cannot harm them.
Praise and bless the Lord, and give him thanks,
and serve him with great humility.

Here end the Lauds of the creatures
which the Blessed Francis made to the praise and honour of God
what time he lay sick at Saint Damiano.

Saint Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)