Page:Hemans in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine 28 1830.pdf/10



Ave Maria! May our spirits dare Look up to thine, and to thy Son's above?

vision! thou'rt from sunny skies, Born where the rose hath richest dyes; To thee a southern heart hath given That glow of Love, that calm of Heaven, And round thee cast th' ideal gleam, The light that is but of a dream.

Far hence, where wandering music fills The haunted air of Roman hills, Or where Venetian waves of yore Heard melodies, they hear no more, Some proud old minster's gorgeous aisle Hath known the sweetness of thy smile.

Or haply, from a lone, dim shrine, 'Mid forests of the Apennine, Whose breezy sounds of cave and dell Pass like a floating anthem-swell, Thy soft eyes o'er the pilgrim's way Shed blessings with their gentle ray.

Or gleaming through a chestnut wood, Perchance thine island-chapel stood, Where from the blue Sicilian sea, The sailor's hymn hath come to thee, And bless'd thy power to guide, to save, Madonna! watcher of the wave!