G. F.: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

St. Monica

G. F.

“St. Monica” as printed in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853).

G. F.: Collected Lyrics Text 1 1853 · historical text
Public domainHymnSacred song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

To ancient Milan's city fair,

Where holy Ambrose dwelt,

A woman came in deepest wo,

And at his feet she knelt:

Verse 2

"Father, I weep both day and night,

My very heart is riv'n,

My unbelieving son is still

By pride and passion driven.

Verse 3

He wanders to and fro on earth,

His spirit seeking rest;

And finding none, he drains a cup

By God and man unblest.

Verse 4

His voice, O Father, still upholds

Each impious sect in turn,

And men from his impassion'd words

Pernicious errors learn."

Verse 5

"Rise, daughter, rise," the saint replied,

"Take courage from thy fears;

The child will not be lost for whom

A mother sheds such tears."

Verse 6

For Austin unbaptized it was

That weeping mother pray'd,

And on Saint Austin's breast at last

Her dying head was laid.

Credits

Written by G. F.

Words by G. F.. Historical text published in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853), “St. Monica”

Every text in this 1853 collection is by Henry Formby (1816-1884), who died more than 140 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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