XXIX. HYMN TO THE VIRGIN. Ave Maria! maiden mild! Thou canst hear though from the wild, Mother, hear a suppliant child! Ave Maria! undefiled! Ave Maria! The flinty couch we now must share Shall seem with down of eider piled, If thy protection hover there. The murky cavern's heavy air Shall breathe of balm, if thou hast smiled; Then, Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer! Mother, list a suppliant child! Ave Maria! Stainless styled! Ave Maria! Foul demons of the earth and air, From this their wonted haunt exiled, Shall flee before thy presence fair. We bow us to our lot of care, Beneath thy guidance reconciled; Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer! And for a father hear a child! Ave Maria! XXX. Died on the harp the closing hymn- XXXI. A various scene the clansmen made; Some sate, some stood, some slowly stray'd; But most, with mantles folded round, Unless where, here and there, a blade, Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. And Silence claim'd her evening reign. |