Song of Saint Patrick - Part 3 - Return

III Return Patrick had to deter the robbers And thieves he met along the road, Ward off viscious creatures, Yet steadily he strode Until, at last, he came upon A landmark he well knew And saw that he had triumphed over Obstacles not a few. He made it back to his family, Into the arms of his mom and dad (No tongue can express the emotion The three of them then had), "I made it through great hardship And I only have to say: The Lord who freely giveth Doth also take away." Patrick stayed in Britain, But his heart started to burn Not after adventure, But for greater things he yearned. One night his mission came to him As he sat in meditative trance: He was called to monastic studies, To study with the church in France, But something was not settled, Nor was his conscience still, He felt that there was some obligation Yet to be fulfilled. But then he knew for certain His duty burned brightly as a flame- He must return to his former master And pay the ransome on his name. Patrick wandered back to Ireland To pay his freedom's fare And on his journey, travelers he met Going to and from there, Confused with tribal teachings And pagan rite belief; Though this was their religion They had but small relief. When, at last, Patrick arrived On his old master's land He was met by men on horseback, -A formidable band- They knew, at once who Patrick was And using undue force, They beat and bound the runaway And set him on a horse. He was brought to his old master, The men seeking a reward, "And now it comes that you must die!" He said, drawing his sword. "I have come to buy my freedom!" Patrick, from his own neck, tore A sack of gold, his life's ransome And threw it on the floor. Patrick was loosed from what bonds Of debt he felt he owed And to his former master, Duty and right he showed. Patrick stayed a week or so Teaching Christianity And before Patrick left for home, The men could clearer see.