"I Bind Unto Myself This Day", also known as 'St Patrick's Breastplate', or 'The Lorica', or 'The Dee's Cry'. The words are a translation of a prayer said to have been composed by St Patrick. The story is that Loeguire, the High King of Tara, resolved to ambush and kill Patrick and his monks to prevent them from spreading the Christian faith in his kingdom. Patrick and his followers approached singing this hymn and the King and his men saw only a herd of wild deer and let them pass by.
Because of that protection, this prayer became known as a lorica or breastplate. It is also known as 'The Deer's Cry' since all that the High King heard was the sound of deer crying (the praying of Patrick and his companions). The English translation is by Cecil Frances Alexander
The tune is often known as 'Scarborough Fair', a traditional English folk tune.
It is performed here by the Northumbria Community.
Video background by Chet Valley Churches.
