M. W.: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

The Annunciation

M. W.

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

M. W.: 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

The day is o'er, the moon serenely beaming.

In silver light hath field and forest drest;

A thousand twinkling stars are gently gleaming,

The world is hush'd, and all is laid to rest.

Verse 2

Save one, who wakeful in her lonely dwelling,

Of Juda born, a stem of Jesse's rod,

A virgin pure, all others far excelling,

Uplifts her heart in tranquil prayer to God.

Verse 3

The while she prays, behold the silence broken,

She starts, a look of fear o'erspreads her face;

She hears, till then to mortal ears unspoken,

Those words of love, "Hail, Lady, full of grace!

Verse 4

Fear not, the Lord is with thee; thou art chosen

The Virgin Mother of thy God to be;

And many a heart in sin and guilt now frozen,

Shall melt beneath the sunbeam born of thee."

Verse 5

O Spouse of God, O Queen of earth and heaven,

O holy Mother of the Incarnate Word,

In meekest accents is thine answer given,

"Behold the willing handmaid of the Lord."

Credits

Written by M. W.

Words by M. W.. 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), “The Annunciation”

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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