Let dogs delight to bark and bite,

For God has made them so:

Let bears and lions growl and fight,

For 'tis their nature, too.

But, children, you should never let

Such angry passions rise:

Your little hands were never made

To tear each other's eyes.

Let love through all your actions run,

And all your words be mild:

Live like the blessed Virgin's Son,

That sweet and lovely child.

His soul was gentle as a lamb;

And as his stature grew,

He grew in favour both with man,

And God his Father, too.

Now, Lord of all, he reigns above;

And from his heavenly throne

He sees what children dwell in love,

And marks them for his own.