When a child appears, the family circle
Applauds with much joy : its endearing visage sparkles,
Lights up all those looking on,
And the sadest faces, the grimiest perhaps,
Are rapidly at peace seeing the new-born child,
Innocent and joyful, it is so beautiful, the Child with its soft looks,
Its tranquil good faith, its voice that wants to say everything
Its tears quickly appeased,
Letting its sight wander and contented,
Offering all of itself, its soul to life
And its mouth for kisses.
Dear God! Preserve me, preserve those I love,
Brothers, parents, friends, and even my ennemies
Triumphant in their bad deeds,
Let us never see, Dear God, a summer without vermillion flowers,
A cage with no birds, a hive without bees
And a home without children.
Victor Hugo
