God keep thee and be merciful!

His strength is with the weak;

Through babes and sucklings, the Most High

Hath oft vouchsafed to speak—

And speaketh now—"Oh, mother dear!"

Murmurs the little child;

And there is trouble in its eyes,

Those large blue eyes so mild—

"Oh, mother dear! they say that soon,

When here I seek for thee,