When Jesus saw the multitudes that day

Who followed him to hear what he would say,

He climbed a hill and sat upon the ground

And with his own disciples gathered round

He looked on them and this is what he said

In words that now throughout the world have spread :

How happy are the humble-minded folk

For heaven's kingdom is their happy yoke.

And blessed are the mourners in their grief

For they shall all find comfort and relief.

Yes, blessed are the meek for they shall be

Inheritors of earth from sea to sea.

And they who yearn for righteousness are blest

For they shall all be satisfied at last.

How blessed are the merciful for they

shall verily find mercy in their way.

And blessed are the pure in heart for they

shall truly see the face of God some day.

And those who fashion peace are likewise blest

For they are sons of God at his behest.

Yea, blest are those who suffer much for right

For heaven's kingdom is within their sight.

And blest are you, O Man when in my name

You suffer insults and are put to shame.

Rejoice ye ! for the prophets in their day

Were persecuted in the selfsame way.

Be then the salt of earth, the world's light