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Hymns and Homilies

St Ephrem the Syrian, tr. Burgess, 1853

32. Hymn 32: For Defence Against Satan

Judge my cause, oh Lord, and avenge me,
On Satan who oppresses me;
Let Thy power fight on my behalf,
Against his dogs who rouse themselves against me.

I have renounced him and his wiles,
And the deceitful ways of the corrupter;
For this reason, behold he labours
To catch me with his devices.

And if Thy might does not help me,
And Thy cross does not save me,
He will beguile me with one of his snares,
For his stratagems are very numerous.

Lord! let him not overcome me in the contest,
Who was conquered when he warred with Thee;
For great will be the shame to him,
Whom that conquered one conquers!

I have heard often that by the yoke
Of lowliness he is subdued;—
Oh Thou that raisest the humble from the dust,
And bringest down the haughty to ruin,

Put far from me an evil heart, O Lord,
And along with it all arrogancy;
And cause humility to abide with me,
And meekness and gentleness.

Grant, Lord, that I may be Thine own,
And please Thee according to Thy will;
And enlighten the eyes of my understanding,
That I sleep not the sleep of death!

Cursed be thou, oh Satan,
In the name of Jesus, the God;
And let thy profane mouth be closed
At the command of Christ, my Lord!

Cursed be thou in earth and heaven
By those above and those beneath!
To Thee, O Jesus, I fly,
And make Thy cross my refuge.

For Thou art my deliverer from his yoke,
That I might become a labourer in Thy vineyard;
And I will thank, worship, and praise Thee,
And the Father, and the Holy Ghost!