Ave Maria in Rome

By MATHILDE BLIND. Illustrated by JOHN FULLEYLOVE. R.I.

FAR away dim violet mountains

Fade away from sight;

Flashing from fantastic fountains

Fets the liquid light

Where from Nymph or Triton’s lip

Bubbling waters drip and drip,

Bubbling day and night.

Pealed from tower to answering tower

O'er the city swells,

Ringing in the hallowed hour

Rhythm of bells on bells;

And on wings of choral song

Confluent hearts to Mary throng

From dim cloistered cells.

On the golden ground of Even ~~

Like a half-way home

On the pilgrim road to heaven ~~

Floats St. Peter's dome

High, high, in the air alone ~~

Man's dread thoughts transformed to stone,

Pinnacled o'er Rome.