OUR LADY OF MUSIC

(Translated by Oscar Kuhns)

Of all the joys that are on earth
None can be found of greater worth
Than those that have their source in me,
Singing with sweetest melody.

There is no room for evil mood

Where friends are singing, true and good:

Far off recedes the keenest pain,
Nor envy, wrath, nor hate remain.

Care, avarice, - all that men most fear,

Lo, all at once they disappear.

Each one may rest assured herein,

That joy in music is no sin,

But unto God more pleasing far,
Than all joys else on earth that are.
It oft defeats the Devil's plan,

And keeps from violence many a man.
King David's story this truth doth prove,
Who Saul did many a time so move,

Playing upon his harp so sweet,
He kept from murderous ways his feet.
Still, and prepared, before the Lord
It makes the soul to hear His Word;
Thus once He touched Elisha's heart
In days of old through Music's art.

The year's best time belongs to me:
Then sing the birds their melody;
The earth and sky's alive with wings,
With ceaseless song the welkin rings;
And first the nightingale is there,
Making all joyous everywhere,
Singing aloud her lovely song, -
To her the thanks of all belong.

Yet much more thank we Thee, O Lord,
Who didst create her by Thy Word,

To be a singer right and true,

A leader of all musicians, too.

Through night and day she sings Thy praise,

Nor ever wearies her voice to raise;

Thee too my song shall glorify,

Whose praise shall last eternally.

Martin Luther.

Ave Maria

From Painting by C. Becker