The Temptations of St. Anthony

"The Temptations of St. Anthony" is the first song of Libby Larsen's song cycle Saints Without Tears.

Date: 1976Composer: Libby LarsenText: Phyllis McGinleySong Collection: Saints Without Tears

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The Temptations of St. Anthony
by Phyllis McGinley

Off in the wilderness bare and level,
Anthony wrestled with the Devil.
Once he’d beaten the Devil down,
Anthony’d turn his eyes toward town
And leave his hermitage now and then
To come to grips with the souls of men.

Afterward, all the tales agree,
Wrestling with the Devil seemed to be
Quite a relief to Anthony

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