Soul, couldst thou, while on earth remaining,

A child-like frame be still retaining,

With thee e’en here, I know full well,

God and his Paradise would dwell.

A child does not in gold or treasure,

Or dazzling pomp of words, take pleasure;

For whether he be poor or rich

Is one to him, he cares not which.

He holds not men in admiration;

Nor prince, nor king, nor lofty station

Can e’er a little child appal,

Yet is he poor, and weak, and small.

Still in his eyes his soul revealing,

He dreams not, knows not of concealing;

Does all he does with single mind,

And thinks of others what is kind.

No anxious thoughts his bosom vexing,

No fond conceits his head perplexing,

In sweet simplicity he lives,

Happy in what the present gives.

A child cannot go any distance,

Nay, cannot stand without assistance;

He holds his mother closely press’d,

And lets her lead where she sees best.

No projects in his mind combining,

To others’ arms his fate resigning,

He fears not mischief may befall,

But passively submits to all.

No care on others’ things bestowing,

Of others’ actions nothing knowing,

Whate’er before his eyes is done,

In innocence he still looks on.

His mother’s arms his chief enjoyment,

To lie there is his lov’d employment;

Early and late to see her face,

And tenderly her neck embrace.

O Innocence! sweet child’s existence!

This have I learnt through God’s assistance—

He who possesses thee is wise,

And valued in th’ Almighty’s eyes.

O childhood! well-belov’d of Heaven!

Whose mind by Christ alone is given,

How longs my heart to feel like thee!

O Jesu! form Thyself in me.

Lord! let me, while on earth remaining,

Such child-like frame be still retaining;

With me e’en here, I know full well,

God and his Paradise will dwell.