Beatrice Moss Campbell (Lady Beatrice Glenavy RHA ) 1881-1970.*
Hand coloured Cuala Press Print in original frame, to illustrate the poem ‘Prayer for a Little Child’ by Winifred M Letts 1882-1972.**
West of Ireland scene, with child, mother, fisherman, animals and fairy.
Prayer for a Little Child
“God keep my jewel this day from danger;
From and pooka and black-hearted stranger.
From harm of the water and hurt of the fire.
From the horns of the cows going home to the byre.
From the sight of the fairies that maybe might change her.
From teasing the ass when he’s tied to the manger.
From stones that would bruise and from thorns of the briar.
From evil red berries that waken desire.
From hunting the gander and vexing the goat
From depths o’ seawater by Danny’s old boat.
From cut and from tumble — from sickness and weeping.
May God have my jewel this day in his keeping.”
* https://www.dib.ie/biography/campbell-beatrice-moss-a1410
**
From the McAllister Collection. Donated to the Museum of Childhood Ireland 2019