A Marian Hymn

Blessed Embrace

Hail, fair Lady, full of joy and crowned with grace!
Thou, who bore the One Whom time shall ne’er efface!
Suffer men to admire thy face
so, in heav’n, we may thee embrace!
Wisdom grant us all and virtue for the race.

To the Ancient of Days may we chant our poor spirit’s hymn.
Dearest Mother, assist, for our voice is, alone, too dim.
Let the song not our prayer eclipse;
issue praise from thy fresh rose lips!
Raise our song to the throne to support the dear cherubim.

When, at last, time expires and the Kingdom transcends the earth,
call to mind our deep love, and reward us in our unworthy.
Suffer men to admire thy face
so, in heav’n, we may thee embrace!
Though our love rises late, may thy pow’r earn us heav’nly mirth.

Metrical Index: 11.11.7.7.11
Tune and Lyrics: Friguy