Classic Poem

Strength of the Church by thy paternal care,
Master and pupil of the living Word,
Chaste guardian of the Mother of the Lord,
Be thou before thy Son our potent prayer.
Remembering him, shield us from every snare
That threatens children's feet; as once his ward
Be ours; and to our lisping lips afford
A pattern of sweet speech. As thou didst fare
Into an alien land, with patient feet,
Leading the holy Virgin and her Son
Beyond the reach of murderous alarms,
Lead us from mortal ill. For us entreat,
Who didst desist from toil, the course well run,
Supported by the everlasting arms.