Auden's commonplace book

Wystan Hugh Auden collected literary bits and pieces, just as some people collect bits of string. Oddments of useless and useful information, stuff that might carelessly be consigned to history's junk pile, in fact any bricabac that took his fancy, he collected. He created his own planet.
His book 'A Certain World' is a collection of such paraphernalia. It's almost like entering a forgotten attic and poking around in the cobwebs with a torch, never knowing what will be revealed next.

The Lord's Prayer

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we pray Thee to be gracious with those who fly this night. Guard and protect those of us who venture out into the darkness of Thy heaven. Uphold them on Thy wings. Keep them safe both in body and soul and bring them back to us. Give to us all the courage and strength for the hours that are ahead; give to them rewards according to their efforts. Above all else, our Father, bring Peace to Thy world. May we go forward trusting in Thee and knowing we are in Thy presence now and forever. Amen.

Prayer by Chaplain Downey, ending the briefing session preliminary to the bombing of Nagasaki.


Forgiveness

Priest: "Do you forgive your enemies?"
A dying Spaniard: "I have no enemies. I have shot them all."