"To labour is to pray." We heave
The heavy clay; we dig and cleave;
And knees and hands deep in the sod,
Search out and shape the Will of God
Creation's purpose to achieve.
Slant showers may wound, sharp winds bereave—
We lift no soiled and suppliant sleeve:
(Sure God and Mary bless the rod:)
To labour is to pray.
And so we are content to leave
Prayers for long-headed folk to weave.
We work His Will in ear and pod;
And when His harvest-eyes applaud,
We know—what others but believe—
To labour is to pray.
Ballymore, Donegal.

PARAPHRASES AND
INTERPRETATIONS

DAEDALUS AND ICARUS

The Builder of the Cretan Labyrinth and his Son