Mediæval

SHE said: "My babe is dead:Unchristened did he die.I wake in the long, lone nightAnd hear his plaintive cry.

"I wonder does God hear,And will not let him in—My little one who diedAll innocent of sin?

"The wicked, who repent,Win heaven, so men say;And was my bonny childLess dear to Him than they?

"There's not a soul in bliss,Rejoicing in God's Son,That's purer or more sweetThan was my little one!

"Lowly, at Mary's shrineBefore the dawn of dayI kneel, for him to pleadWho was too small to pray

"Ah, mother blessed! bringMy babe to know the light!Or, pitying, win for meWith him to roam the night!"