93Another tenderly-conceived little poem of his is this:--
CRADLE SONG.
Ach, lieber herre Jesu Christ
Ah Jesu Christ, my Lord most dear, As Thou wast once an infant here, So give this little child, I pray, Thy grace and blessing day by day: Ah Jesu, Lord Divine, Guard me this babe of mine! | Since in Thy heavenly kingdom, Lord, All things obey Thy lightest word, Do Thou Thy mighty succour give, And shield my child by morn and eve: Ah Jesu, Lord Divine, Guard Thou this babe of mine! | Thy watch let angels round it keep Where'er it be, awake, asleep; Thy holy Cross now let it bear That it Thy Crown with saints may wear: Ah Jesu, Lord Divine, Guard Thou this babe of mine! | Now sleep, O sleep, my little child, Jesus will be thy playmate mild; Sweet dreams He sendeth thee, I trow, That full of goodness thou may'st grow: Ah Jesu, Lord Divine, Guard me this babe of mine! | So He who hath all love and might, Bids thee good-morrow and good-night. Blest in His name thou daily art, My child, thou darling of my heart: Ah Jesu, Lord Divine, Guard me this babe of mine! | |