The Hermit's Song   

  I wish, O son of the Living God, ancient eternal King

for a secret hut in the wilderness

that it may be my dwelling.

A very blue shallow well to be beside it,

a clear pool for washing sins through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

A beautiful wood close by around it on every side,

for the nurture of many-voiced birds, to shelter and hide it.

Facing south for warmth,

a little stream across its enclosure,

a choice ground with abundant bounties which would be good for every plant.

Fragrant fresh leeks, hens, speckled salmon, bees.

My fill of clothing and of food from the King of good fame,

and for me to be sitting for a while praying to God in every place.

- From ninth century Irish