St. Brigit: "I'd like to give a lake of beer to God . . . ."

There is a 10th century poem, attributed to the Irish saint St. Brigit of Kildare or St. Brigit of Ireland, that speaks of giving "a lake of beer to God."

St. Brigit

I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.

I'd love the heavenly

Host to be tippling there

For all eternity.

I'd love the men of Heaven to live with me,

To dance and sing.

If they wanted, I'd put at their disposal

Vats of suffering.

White cups of love I'd give them

With a heart and a half;

Sweet pitchers of mercy I'd offer

To every man.

I'd make Heaven a cheerful spot

Because the happy heart is true.

I'd make the men contented for their own sake.

I'd like Jesus to love me too.

I'd like the people of heaven to gather

From all the parishes around.

I'd give a special welcome to the women,

The three Marys of great renown.

I'd sit with the men, the women and God

There by the lake of beer.

We'd be drinking good health forever

And every drop would be a prayer.

St. Brigit's Cross