The "Greatest" Example of All

Let dogs delight to bark and bite,

For God hath 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.