The little maidservant
Francis Poulenc
Preserve us from fire and lightning.
Lightning runs like a bird.
If the Lord drives it,
blessed be the damage.
If the Devil drives it,
drive him out of here at a trot.
Preserve us from sores and pimples,
plague and leprosy.
If you have sent them to me for a penance,
Lord, leave them with me, thank you.
If the Devil drives it,
drive him out of here at a trot.
Goiter, goiter, jump out of your bag,
leave my neck and my head!
St. Elmo's fire, St. Vitus' dance,
if it's the Devil who drives you,
God, drive him away from here.
Make me grow up fast
and give me a good husband
who isn't too much of a drunkard
and doesn't beat me every night.