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!