This is a sentimental song to the BVM. The text has unintentional humour, as I doubt “near thee, Madonna, fondly we hover,” would be visualised the quite same way now as in the 1800s.
GAB omits the last verse, but I can’t see it is any worse than the rest of the text. The tune is BEAUTIFUL MOTHER by Louis Lambilotte.
On this day, O beautiful Mother,
On this day we give thee our love.
Near thee, Madonna, fondly we hover,
Trusting thy gentle care to prove.
1 On this day we ask to share,
Dearest Mother, thy sweet care;
Aid us ere our feet astray
Wander from thy guiding way.
2 Queen of angels, deign to hear
Lisping children’s humble prayer;
Young hearts gain, O virgin pure,
Sweetly to thyself allure.3 Rose of Sharon, Lovely flow’r,
Beauteous bud of Eden’s bow’r;
Cherished lily of the vale,
Virgin Mother’ Queen we hail.
The third verse of this version is blunt. It is also in an impossible key – OCP brings it down to C from F – thanks be to God.
Thou could, if thou wished, purchase the sheet music from OCP.