- Beloved Master -

Provide me with food and drink and care for me, and when the work of the day is done, give me shelter, a clean place to rest, and not too small a place in thy stable.

Talk to me, for often thy voice will take place of the bridle. Be good to me, and I shall serve thee even more gladly and cherish thee. Tear not on the rein, nor reach for the whip on a rising grade; do not beat me or kick me when I fail to understand thee, but give me time to grasp thy intentions. Do not judge me to be disobedient if I should be slow to do thy bidding.

And when the end draws near, beloved master, do not let me starve and freeze, and do not sell me.

Do not abandon me to a strange master who will slowly torment me to death, but be kind enough, my Lord and Master, to give me a speedy and compassionate death, and God will reward thee, here and forever.

Let me ask this of thee, and do not believe that I lack reverence if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.

Amen

*From an old stable in England*