THE SONG OF THE MYSTIC. BY FATHER RYAN.
Reading edition
Father Abram Ryan was born about 1834 some say, in Limerick, Ireland, and others, Norfolk, Va., while still others say, Hagerstown, Md. He lived nearly all his life in the South. He was educated at a seminary at Niagara, N. Y., was ordained to the priesthood and labored in many Southern cities. He established a Catholic newspaper at Augusta, Ga. He died in 1883. He was devoted to the cause of the South, and, aside from his devotional poems, none of his writings have more passion or sincerity than those commemorating the deeds of the Confederate army and the cause for which it fought.
I walk down the Valley of Silence— Down the dim, voiceless valley—alone! And I hear not the fall of a footstep Around me, save God’s and my own; And the hush of my heart is as holy As hovers where angels have flown!
Long ago I was weary of voices Whose music my heart could not win; Long ago I was weary of noises That fretted my soul with their din; Long ago I was weary of places Where I met but the human—and sin.
In the hush of the Valley of Silence I dream all the songs that I sing; And the music floats down the dim Valley, Till each finds a word for a wing, That to hearts, like the Dove of the Deluge A message of Peace they may bring.
Do you ask me the place of the Valley, Ye hearts that are harrowed by Care? It lieth afar between mountains, And God and His angels are there; And one is the dark mount of Sorrow And one the bright mountain of Prayer.