Custodes hominum

Angel-guardians of men, spirits and powers we sing,

Whom our Father hath sent, aids to our weakly frame,

Heavenly friends and guides, help from on high to bring,

Lest we fail through the foeman's wile.

He, the spoiler of souls, angel-traitor of old,

Cast in merited wrath out of his honoured place,

Burns with envy and hate, seeking their souls to gain

Whom God's mercy invites to heaven.

Therefore come to our help, watchful ward of our lives:

Turn aside from the land God to thy care confides

Sickness and woe of soul, yea, and what else of ill

Peace of heart to its folk denies.

Now to the Holy Three praise evermore resound:

Under whose hand divine resteth the triple world

Governed in wondrous wise: glory be theirs and might

While the ages unending run.

Amen.