Now the solemn hour of departure is at hand,
And my heart, deeply touched, throbs with fear;
'Tis bleeding as though pierced by many a spear,
for in bitter pain we leave you and our land so dear.
I leave - yes, depart gladly and in peace
In obedience to your wishes, O Mother most dear;
Though distant, I know that our prayers will ne'er cease,
For your love will follow hov'ring ever near.
Yet, poor nature doeth press its human rights so
Clinging in anguish to you and the fatherland blest;
Thus, from a torn heart, these hot tears do flow
Mingled with many a sigh from my burdened breast.
But oh! as once again before you I kneel,
Allow these tears of departure free reign
Thus consoled, I shall depart; for I shall feel
Your precious blessing coming to us o'er the main.
Yes, bless me, Mother! God can and will heed
The prayerful blessing your fingers trace on me;
I need not fear - God knows best my every need
Is he not ruler over land and sea?
For me beg the courage, the strength, and the power
That holy zeal for his honor within me may burn;
That humbly his glory I increase in each hour,
While striving his holy will to perform.
May I never fall into self-complacency vain,
Forgetting the promise and pledge I now raise;
To please God alone, I seek! His will shall reign
E'en though my work from others gain praise.
O pray that this office upon me now laid
Shall not too heavy for my weak shoulders prove;
May I learn to bear all with soul unafraid
While for God's highest honor, I labor with love.
Now farewell! Receive as a last little cession
My hear with filial gratitude aglow;
In fidelity to obedience, this last possession
Into your hands, my consecrate heart I bestow.
Farewell! Farewell! For I must now depart,
Yet will remain in spirit ever close to you!
Enclosed forever with Jesus' Sacred Heart,
Your joys and sorrows will be mine too!
Farewell! also to you, my Sisters fond
Ever preserve in your heart your love for me!
Thus, uniting more firmly the consecrated bond
That binds our hearts for all eternity.
Farewell! Hallowed spot, where so oft I have knelt
Farewell! Our Convent Chapel, so dear!
For here is the sanctuary oft have I felt
God's plea: "Draw nigh to me here!"
Farewell! Holy statues - perhaps forever!
You who so peacefully down upon me gaze,
As though you'd say: "You too must endeavor
Your eyes to Heaven always to raise!"
Farewell! Farewell! You hallowed rooms
Where I have lived so happily without pain;
Farewell! You gardens and all you lovely trees
Farewell! Farewell! and Auf Wiedersein!
