Catherine Winkworth · 54 of 207

Cradle Song

Another tenderly-conceived little poem of his is this:--

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!

Ach, lieber herre Jesu Christ