Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Francis Turner Palgrave 1824–97

A Little Child’s Hymn

PalgravFT

THOU that once, on mother’s knee,

Wast a little one like me,

When I wake or go to bed

Lay thy hands about my head;

Let me feel thee very near,

Jesus Christ, our Saviour dear.

Be beside me in the light,

Close by me through all the night;

Make me gentle, kind, and true,

Do what mother bids me do;

Help and cheer me when I fret,

And forgive when I forget.

Once wast thou in cradle laid,

Baby bright in manger-shade,

With the oxen and the cows,

And the lambs outside the house:

Now thou art above the sky:

Canst thou hear a baby cry?

Thou art nearer when we pray,

Since thou art so far away;

Thou my little hymn wilt hear,

Jesus Christ, our Saviour dear,

Thou that once, on mother’s knee,

Wast a little one like me.