AVE MARIA.
Ave Maria! ’tis the evening hymn
Of many pilgrims on the land and sea.
Soon as the day withdraws, and two or three
Faint stars are burning, all whose eyes are dim
With tears or watching, all of weary limb
Or troubled spirit, yield the bended knee,
And find, O Virgin! life’s repose in thee.
I, too, at nightfall, when the new-born rim
Of the young moon is first beheld above,
Tune my fond thoughts to their devoutest key,
And from all bondage—save remembrance—free
Glad of my liberty as Noah’s dove,
Seek the Madonna most adored by me,
And say mine “Ave Marias” to my love.