We Come, Dearest Mother

1 We come, dearest Mother, with fondest devotion,
To place on thy shrine no pearls of the sea;
The pearls of our hearts,--the trueest affections,
Dearest and best, we bring unto thee,
Dearest and best we bring unto thee.
O Mary, hear our prayer,
O Mary, hear our prayer.

2 Hail, highest and holiest--bright Lily of Heaven!
In the garden of God, thou reignest supreme;
Chosen vessel of honor, Immaculate ever,--
Mother of Jesus! we hail thee our Queen.
We come, dearest Mother, etc.

3 The rose and lily of earth's early spring-time,
Mary, dear Mother, we wreathe for thee now;
Draw nearer, bright angels, with songs of gladness
As we place fairest flowers on our dear Mother's brow.
We come, dearest Mother, etc.

Source: Laudis Corona: the new Sunday school hymn book, containing a collection of Catholic hymns, arranged for the principal seasons and festivals of the year #70