Library of the World's Best Literature/Prayer

As a guardian angel, take me under your wing; Deign to stoop and put out, smiling, Your maternal hand to my little hand To support my steps and keep me from falling!

For Jesus the sweet Master, with celestial love, Suffered little children to come to him; As an indulgent parent, he submitted to their caresses And played with them without showing weariness.

O you who resemble those church pictures Where one sees, on a gold background, august Charity Preserving from hunger, preserving from cold, A fair and smiling group sheltered in her folds;

Like the nursling of the Divine mother, For pity’s sake, lift me to your lap; Protect me, poor young girl, alone, an orphan, Whose only hope is in God, whose only hope is in you!

Prière (Gautier)