Haste, my Mother, run to help me; Mother, haste, do not delay; See from Hell the envious serpent Comes my trembling soul to slay. Ah! his very look affrights me, And his cruel rage I fear; Whither fly, if he attacks me? See him, see him coming near! Lo! I faint away with terror, For if yet thou dost delay, He will dart at me his venom; Then, alas! I am his prey. Cries and tears have nought availed me, Spite of all I see him there; Saints I call till I am weary. Still he stands with threatening air. Now his mighty jaws are open, And his forked tongue I see; Ah! he coils to spring upon me, Mother! hasten, make him flee. Mary! yes, the name of Mary Strikes with dread my cruel foe; Straight he flees as from the sunbeam Swiftly melts the winter's snow. Now he's gone; but do thou ever Stay beside me, Mother dear; Then the hellish fiend to tempt me Never more will venture near.