HYMN FOR A CHILD
Reading edition
Flocking to the Temple See the priests assemble Where a child expounds What the wise confounds. All the scribes and sages Quit their dog’s-eared pages; Spell-bound by his sense And his eloquence. Speaking without bias, He reviewed Elias; Said the dogs did well, Eating Jezebel. Just as he disposes Of the Law and Moses, Mary came in haste— Caught him to her breast: ‘We have sought thee’ saying— Chid him for delaying. Then without demur He went back with her. Those he was amazing Straightway broke out praising; Calling him a mild, Nicely brought-up child. Teach me, gentle Saviour, Such discreet behaviour That my elders be Always pleased with me.