Ava Maria - Johnny Mathis

Ave Maria!

Maiden mild!

O listen to a maiden’s prayer!

For thou canst hear amid the wild

Tis thou, tis thou canst save amid despair.

We slumber safely 'til the morrow,

Tho' we, by men, outcast, reviled;

O maiden!

See a maiden’s sorrow

O mother, hear a suppliant child!

Ave Maria!

Ave Maria!

Undefiled!

The flinty couch whereon we’re sleeping

Shall seem with down of eider piled,

If thou above, sweet, watch our keeping

The murky cavern’s air’s so heavy

Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled;

O maiden!

Hear a maiden’s pleading!

O mother, hear a suppliant child!

Ave Maria!

Ave Maria!

Stainless styled!

O fiends of air and earth the essence

From this their wonted haunt exiled

Shall flee before thy holy presence

We bow beneath our care so laden

To thy dear guidance reconciled;

Then hear, o maiden, simple maiden!

And for a father hear a child!

Ave Maria!