OLD POLISH ON-LINE
MIDDLE AGES
RENAISSANCE
BAROQUE
GUESTBOOK
SPECIAL THANKS
WHAT'S NEW
UNDER
E Y E
T H E
Jan Kochanowski
JAN KOCHANOWSKI - SONG
SONG
What do You want from us, Lord, for Your lavish gifts?
What for the benefactions, which have no limits?
The Church will not contain You, You are everywhere:
On the earth, in the depths, the sea, the open air.
You do not want gold, I know, as it is all Yours,
Whatever in this world man names as his resource.
With our grateful hearts we sing your glory, O Lord,
For no offering more proper can we afford.
You are the Lord of the whole world, You built the sky,
And embroidered it splendidly with gold stars high.
Of the earth untraversed, You lay the foundation,
And covered its bareness with rich vegetation.
By Your own command the sea stands within its shores
And is fearful to leap over its assigned course.
Inexhaustible waters enrich the rivers,
Bright day and shadowy night keep their hours diverse.
By Your will Spring brings flowers, in abundance born,
By Your will Summer wears wreaths made from ears of corn.
Autumn gives out wine and apples of various kinds,
Idle Winter rises, when ready meal she finds.
By Your grace the dew descends on frail plants at night,
And the rain brings new life to withered grains aright.
From Your hands all animals look for sustenance,
And You nourish them all in Your munificence.
Be praised forever, everlasting Creator!
Your grace and Your goodness will not cease evermore.
Shield us, as long as You deign, on this earth so low,
But in the shade of Your wings let us always go!
Translated by Michael J. Mikoś