Full Lyrics
Hark! the convent bells are ringing,
And the nuns are sweetly singing;
Holy Virgin, hear our prayer!
See, the novice comes to sever
Every worldly tie for ever;
Take, oh take her to your care!
Still radiant gems are shining,
Her jetblack locks entwining;
And her robes, around her flowing,
With many tints are glowing,
But all earthly rays are dim.
Splendours brighter now invite her,
While thus we sing our vesper hymn.
Holy Virgin, hear our prayer!
Take, oh take her to your care!
Now the lovely maid is kneeling,
With uplifted eyes appealing;
Holy Virgin, hear our prayer!
See, the abbess, bending o'er her,
Breathes the sacred vow before her;
Take, oh take her to your care!
Her form no more possesses
Those dark, luxuriant tresses.
The solemn words are spoken,
Each earthly tie is broken,
And all earthly joys are dim.
Splendours brighter now invite her,
While thus we sing our vesper hymn.
Holy Virgin, hear our prayer!
Take, oh take her to your care!
