Ave Maria, "Ellens Gesang III", D839

Ave Maria!

Now your ageless bell

So sweetly sounds for listening ears

From heights of Heaven to brink of Hell

In tender notes have echoed through the years

Aloft from earth's far boundaries

Each poor petition, every prayer

The hopes of foolish ones and wise

Must mount in thanks or grim despair

Ave Maria!

Ave Maria!

You were not spared one pang of flesh, or mortal tear;

So rough the paths your feet have shared

So great the bitter burden of your fear

Your heart has bled with every beat

In dust you laid your weary head

The hopeless vigil of defeat was yours

And flinty stone for bread

Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! Heaven's Bride

The bells ring out in solemn praise

For you, the anguish and the pride

The living glory of our nights

Of our nights and days

The Prince of Peace your arms embrace

While hosts of darkness fade and cower

Oh save us, mother full of grace

In life and in our dying hour

Ave Maria!