Anyone who is looking for consolation after misery

Must stand up and set off

On Saint Jacques’ way,

Two pairs of shoes he must have,

A plate and a bottle.

 

A wide hat he must have

And he must not set off without a coat

Trimmed with leather,

So he may be dry

In the snow, the rain or the wind.

 

His bag and his stick are his companions,

He lies when he says he has confessed,

Confessed and expiated!

Once in the Frankish kingdom

He will not find a German priest.

 

He wants to find a German priest

As he cannot know where he might die

Or let his life go away:

If he dies in the Frankish kingdom,

He will be buried by the path.

 

So we enter the Swiss land,

Where they offer us God’s welcome

And give us their food,

Accomodation and warm shelter,

And they show us the way.

 

So we enter the Frankish kingdom,

Unknown for our brotherhood,

We must find consolation in misery;

Let us invoke our Lord and Saint Jacques

And our beloved Lady.

 

There are five mountains in the Frankish kingdom,

Well known to us, pilgrims,

The first one is called Runzevalle,

And when a brother crosses it

His cheeks turn pale.

 

Saint Jacques forgives pain and guilt.

May our Lord be favourable to us

from his high throne!

Our Lord will reward

Those who serve Saint Jacques.