Lettre de René Goupil à sa mère

1. For you, mom, this little note,
Because your René, your little one,
Over there, over there, missionary,
Deep in the woods, no matter how far,
Always thinks of you, My dear mother,
2. Maybe someone has already told you,
Dear mom, some bitter news
About me... Do you know?... I'm a bit scared
Of causing you some grief,
My sweet mother!

3. Named for the Huron country,
Companion of Father Jogues,
We were crossing a river...
The Iroquois surprised us.
I am far from my country
And my mother!
4. Blessed be the name of Jesus!...
With the help of my holy companion,
I was able to climb a tough Calvary;
But I was thinking of you then,
I saw you praying for me,
Pious mother!

5. Despite our captivity,
We preach God without stopping,
Oh! what an apostle this Father is!
Some Indians are converted,
I baptized some little ones:
What happiness! Mother!
6. If you saw me triumphant,
When I make a prayer rise
From a child's soul;
On their foreheads, I trace the cross,
As you sometimes did to me,
My tender mother!

7. The one finishing this note,
Is no longer your little one,
Your missionary René:
He has flown to heaven,
To enjoy eternal happiness,
O holy mother!
8. It was sworn that he would die;
Yesterday, at the edge of the forest,
We were both praying;
Suddenly appeared a madman,
His hand struck your René...
Courage! Oh mother!

9. You will receive, stained with blood,
The rosary of your child:
Kiss this dear relic:
You are the mother of a martyr!...
I, Jogues, can guarantee it,
Happy mother!