The sun was sinking in the west, " Ave, Maria,"
Like Angel-spirit to its rest, " Ave, Maria,"
An ocean flood of golden light
Lay on each hill and woodland height — " Ave, Maria,"
It seemed a land of fairy sprite, " Ave, Maria."

Then each convent bell did ring, " Ave, Maria,"
Each hill and dale did echoing sing, " Ave, Maria,"
The gentle peasants did prolong
The sound of that fond thrilling song, " Ave, Maria,"
Loud chanting, as they moved along, " Ave, Maria."

Oh, sweet it is and good to see, " Ave, Maria,"
The glowing sun sink in the sea, " Ave, Maria,"
While nature heaves with loving swell
Of choral song and convent bell, " Ave, Maria,"
All coming that one prayer to tell, " Ave, Maria."