[485]St. Andrew of Crete:

John B. Dykes, 1868

Greek; St. Andrew of Crete;

Tr. John Mason Neale, 1862

Christian! dost thou see them

On the holy ground,

How the powers of darkness

Rage thy steps around?

Christian! up and smite them,

Counting gain but loss;

In the strength that cometh

By the holy cross.

Christian! dost thou feel then

How they work within,

Striving, tempting, luring,

Goading into sin?

Christian! never tremble;

Never be downcast;

Gird thee for the battle,

Watch and pray and fast.

Christian! dost thou hear them,

How they speak thee fair?

"Always fast and vigil?

Always watch and prayer?"

Christian! answer boldly:

"While I breathe I pray!"

Peace shall follow battle,

Night shall end in day.

"Well I know thy trouble,

O my servant true;

Thou art very weary,

I was weary too;

But that toil shall make thee

Some day all mine own,

And the end of sorrow

Shall be near my throne."