GRAINS OF GOLD.

New Zealand Tablet, 9 August 1917, Page 3

GRAINS OF GOLD.

AVE MARIA. When first 'twas heard, that blessed word, "Hail Mary, full of grace !" All Nature's frame made glad acclaim To Mary, full of grace. Each star afar with joy was filled, Each cave 'neath wave of ocean thrilled. And o'er earth's varied face New light broke bright in haste to write, "Hail Mary, full of grace!'' On myriad strings still Nature sings, "Hail Mary, full of grace!" Chant birds and bees and soothing breeze, Hail Mary, full of grace!" The strain of raindrops in the night, The theme of streamlet, in its flight, Of river in its race, Full strong the song the whole day long "Hail Mary, full of grace!" Like earth and sky, I'll ceaseless cry, "Hail Mary, full of grace!" My lifetime through to her still true, — To Mary full of grace. —Lyonel Byrra in the Ave Maria.