"Bring Flowers of the Rarest" (also known as the Fairest) is a Marian hymn written by Mary E. Walsh. It was published as the "Crowning Hymn" in the Wreath of Mary 1871/1883 and later in St. Basil's Hymnal (1889).[citation needed] The hymn is frequently sung during a May Crowning service, one of several May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary.[1][2]
Text
- 1. Bring flowers of the rarest
- bring blossoms the fairest,
- from garden and woodland and hillside and dale;
- our full hearts are swelling,
- our glad voices telling
- the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale!
- 1. Bring flowers of the rarest
- refrain: O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
- Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
- O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
- Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.
- refrain: O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
- 2. Our voices ascending,
- In harmony blending,
- Oh! Thus may our hearts turn
- Dear Mother, to thee;
- Oh! Thus shall we prove thee
- How truly we love thee,
- How dark without Mary
- Life's journey would be.
- 2. Our voices ascending,
- refrain
- 3. O Virgin most tender,
- Our homage we render,
- Thy love and protection,
- Sweet Mother, to win;
- In danger defend us,
- In sorrow befriend us,
- And shield our hearts
- From contagion and sin.
- 3. O Virgin most tender,
- refrain
- 4. Of Mothers the dearest,
- Oh, wilt thou be nearest,
- When life with temptation
- Is darkly replete?
- Forsake us, O never!
- Our hearts be they ever
- As Pure as the lilies
- We lay at thy feet.
- 4. Of Mothers the dearest,
- refrain
Publication
- Sisters of Notre Dame (1883). Wreath of Mary [music] A collection of hymns to the Blessed Virgin. Boston, Oliver Ditson.
- St. Michael's College (1889). St. Basil's hymnal. Toronto: St. Michael's college., Toronto, Ontario.[citation needed]