HAPPY HE THAT HAS GODS

Happy he that has gods,
he has a home.
Solace and a sure ground
are granted only by them.

Pledge yourself as a warrior
at an altar there.
Delivered is your soul
in the hour of prayer.

Rest there awaits you
only in battle's stress.
Only between the shields
is there rest.

Compulsion to shiny weapons,
peril and faith, as well -
then will a home be raised for you,
where you can dwell.

For more information, please visit the website of David McDuff and his own pages with the translations.