25. A Child's Hymn to the Blessed Virgin.
Maiden Mother, meek and mild,
Take, oh, take me for thy child.
All my life, oh, let it be
My best joy to think of thee.
When my eyes are clos'd in sleep
Through the night my slumbers keep,
Make my latest thought to be,
How to love thy Son and thee.
Teach me when the sunbeam bright
Calls me with its golden light,
How my waking thoughts may be
Turn'd to Jesus and to thee.
And, oh, teach me through the day
Oft to raise my heart and say,
"Maiden Mother, meek and mild,
Guard, oh, guard thy little child!"
Thus, sweet Mother, day and night
Thou shalt guide my steps aright;
And my dying words shall be,
"Virgin Mother, pray for me!"
26. Star of Jacob.
Star of Jacob, ever beaming
With a radiance all divine,
Mid the stars of highest heaven
Glows no purer ray than thiue!