Long-suffering, kind, and free of pride,
With envy cast to the furthest side;
It seeks not self, nor is easily stirred,
Thinking no evil in thought or in word.
It joys not in wrong, but the truth makes it whole,
A light that is burning deep in the soul;
It beareth all burdens, believes through the night,
It hopeth all things and endureth in light.
My brothers, take heed: if this love is not found,
Then nothing remains on this hollowed ground.
For all things shall vanish, all power must wane,
But the greatest of graces shall ever remain.
For this is the pure love of Christ, ever true,
A promise of life that he offereth you.
It faileth not ever, but stays till the end;
All souls that possess it, the Lord shall defend.