Bernard of Cluny

Bernard of Cluny, also known as Bernard of Morlaix, was a twelfth century Benedictine monk and poet associated with the Abbey of Cluny in medieval France. Precise biographical details about his life remain uncertain, and historical records are limited. Bernard is best known for the long Latin poem De Contemptu Mundi, which reflects on the transience of earthly life and the hope of the heavenly kingdom. Portions of this poem were later adapted into several English hymn texts, including Jerusalem the Golden and Brief Life Is Here Our Portion. These adaptations, especially through nineteenth century translators such as John Mason Neale, brought Bernard poetic themes into Protestant hymnody. His work represents an important link between medieval monastic poetry and later Christian hymn traditions.