Classic Poem

Sweet Angel of Mercy!
By Heaven's decree
Benignly appointed
To watch over me!
Without thy protection,
So constant and nigh,
I could not well live;
I should tremble to die!

All thanks for thy love,
Dear companion and friend!
O, may it continue
With me to the end!
O, cease not to keep me,
Blest guide of my youth!
In the ways of religion
And virtue and truth.

Support me in weakness;
My spirit inflame;
Defend me in danger;
Secure me from shame.
That safe from temptation,
Or sudden surprise,
I may mount the straight path,
That ascends to the skies.

When Satan his snares
For my ruin shall lay,
Be thou, gentle comrade,
My comfort and stay;
And in every event
That may happen to me,
Make all my desires
With thine to agree.

When I wander in error,
My footsteps recall;
Remove from my path
What might cause me to fall.
Preserve me from sin;
And in all that I do,
May God and His glory
Be ever in view.

O thou, who didst witness
My earliest breath,
Be with me, I pray,
In the hour of death;
Console me in sadness;
Refresh me in pain;
And teach me how best
I may mercy obtain;

That, cleans'd by confession
Complete and sincere,
From every defilement
Afflicting me here;
All glowing with love,
I may gladly depart,
With faith on my lips,
And with hope in my heart:

Nor then do thou leave me,
Angelical Friend!
But at the tribunal
Of Judgment attend,
And cease not to plead
For my soul, till forgiven
Thou bear it aloft
To the Palace of Heaven!