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Literary Gazette, 28th August, 1830, Page 565
ORIGINAL POETRY.
THE SICILIAN GIRL TO THE MADONNA.
Madonna, I have gathered flowers,
And wreathed them round thy shrine;
And every rose I offer thee
Is wet with tears of mine.
Madonna, I am kneeling here;
Yet will they not depart,
The earthly hopes and earthly fears
That war within my heart.
I strive to only pray for peace,
To only think of thee;
Alas! my wild and wandering thoughts
Ill with my words agree.
Madonna, 'tis in vain to strive;
My lips may move in prayer,
But thou canst read my inmost soul,
And other thoughts are there.
Thou knowest all my wretchedness,
Thou knowest all my love;
Oh! mother dear, look down on me,
I dare not look above,