Singing the Living Tradition ‎#1

1. May Nothing Evil Cross This Door

1 May nothing evil cross this door,
and may ill fortune never pry
about these windows; may the roar
and rain go by.

2 By faith made strong, the rafters will
withstand the battering of the storm.
This hearth, though all the world grow chill,
will keep you warm.

3 Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,
touching our lips with holy wine,
till ev'ry casual corner blooms
into a shrine.

4 With laughter drown the raucous shout,
and, though these sheltering walls are thin,
may they be strong to keep hate out
and hold love in.

Text Information

• First Line: May nothing evil cross this door
• Title: May Nothing Evil Cross This Door
• Author: Louis Untermeyer, 1885-1977
• Meter: 8.8.8.4.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Transcending Mystery and Wonder: The Celebration of Life; Beloved Community; Prayer and Meditation; Serenity
• Copyright: © 1923, renewed 1951 by Louis Untermeyer. used by perm. of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: OLDBRIDGE
• Composer: Robert N. Quaile, b. 1867
• Meter: 8.8.8.4.
• Key: F Major or modal