McNamara's Blog
THE ANSWERED “AVE”
By J.W.S. Norris
The dear Saint Bernard ere eve’s shadows fell
Throughout the cloister’s fair and fragrant shade,
Paused as the golden sunbeams slowly fade,
List’ning to the holy Angelus bell,
Which thro’ each happy hermit’s peaceful cell
Poured its full note, re-echoed, then decayed.
‘Neath Mary’s ling’ring image he delayed
To breathe his loving “Ave:” Legends tell
From out the pure white marble lips there came
A voice of wondrous sweetness, thrilling power;
That Bernard’s greeting answered graciously:
O Mary! kindle in my heart love’s flame
That I may greet thee thro’ life’s every hour,
Hopeful of welcome, sweet, at death from thee.
By J.W.S. Norris
The dear Saint Bernard ere eve’s shadows fell
Throughout the cloister’s fair and fragrant shade,
Paused as the golden sunbeams slowly fade,
List’ning to the holy Angelus bell,
Which thro’ each happy hermit’s peaceful cell
Poured its full note, re-echoed, then decayed.
‘Neath Mary’s ling’ring image he delayed
To breathe his loving “Ave:” Legends tell
From out the pure white marble lips there came
A voice of wondrous sweetness, thrilling power;
That Bernard’s greeting answered graciously:
O Mary! kindle in my heart love’s flame
That I may greet thee thro’ life’s every hour,
Hopeful of welcome, sweet, at death from thee.
Gleanings: From Our Own Fields, Being Selections from Catholic American Poets (1881)
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