Author's note: My original idea was to write one sonnet in which the lamb introduced the wolf to the other lambs, and then have this one serve as a follow-up (thereby producing the shortest sonnet sequence in history). I decided in the end, however, that anything I could have the lamb say would be redundant, and so I discarded this plan. I only mention it here because knowing about it will probably help you to understand the first two lines better.
My thanks, O lamb: 'twas kind of you to say
Such pleasant things about your ancient foe.
What can I say? Back then, I did not know
A way to live except to hunt and slay.
I was the predator, you were the prey,
And in that dreary round our lives would go.
But, Christ be praised! all that is over now;
The night is over; now begins the day.
Friends, raise your glasses (if your hooves allow)
And let us drink a toast unto the Child
Who in his mercy leads us from the wild
Unto this holy mountain, where we now
Immerse ourselves in knowledge of the Lord:
O may his Holy Childhood be adored!