“WHEN EVENING SHADES ARE FALLING”

When evening shades are falling O’er ocean’s sunny sleep, To pilgrims’ hearts recalling Their home beyond the deep; When rest, o’er all descending, The shores with gladness smile, And lutes, their echoes blending, Are heard from isle to isle: Then, Mary, Star of the Sea, We pray, we pray, to thee. The noonday tempest over Now ocean toils no more, And wings of halcyons hover, Where all was strife before; Oh, thus may life, in closing Its short tempestuous day, Beneath heaven’s smile reposing, Shine all its storms away: Thus, Mary, Star of the Sea, We pray, we pray, to thee. —Thomas Moore.