Ave, Maria ! lyrics

Ave, Maria, maiden mild.

O, listen to a maiden's prayer,

for thou canst hear amid the wild.

Tis thou, tis thou canst save amid despair.

We slumber safely 'till the morrow,

tho' we, by man outcast, reviled.

O, Maiden ! Hear a maiden's sorrow.

O, Mother ! Hear a suppliant child.

Ave, Maria !

Ave, Maria, Undefiled.

The flinty couch whereon we're sleeping

shall seem with down of eider piled,

if thou above, sweet, watch our dreaming.

The murky cavern's air so heavy

shall breath of balm if thou hast smiled.

O, Maiden ! Hear a maiden pleading.

O, Mother ! Hear a suppliant child.

Ave, Maria !

Ave, Maria, Stainless styled.

O, friends of air and Earth the essence,

from this their wonted haunt exiled,

shall flee before the holy presence.

We bow beneath our care so laden

to thy dear guidance reconciled.

Then hear. O, Maiden ! Hear, Maiden.

And for a father, hear a child.

Ave, Maria !