200 The Little Bedesman of Christ

“ Praised by Sister Moon be Thou; and
praised by all the Stars. These hast Thou
made, and Thou hast made them precious
and beautiful and bright.

“ Praised by Brother Wind be Thou; by
Air, and Cloud that lives in air, and all the
Weathers of the world, whereby their keep
Thou dost provide for all the creatures
Thou hast made.

«“ Praised by Sister Water, Lord, be Thou ;
the lowly water, precious, pure, the gracious
handmaiden.

“ Praised by Brother Fire, by whom Thou
makest light for us i’ the dark; and fair is
he and jocund, sturdy and strong.

“Praised by our Sister Mother-Earth,
which keeps us and sustains, and gives forth
plenteous fruit, and grass, and coloured
flowers.

“Praised be Thou, Lord my God, by
those who for Thy love forgive, and for Thy
love endure; blessed in their patience they ;
by Thee shall they be crowned.”

As he drew nigh to his end at St.
Mary of the Angels, he cried out, “ Wel-
come, Sister Death!” and when his breth-
ren, as he had bidden them, sang once