Hear thy children, gentlest Mother

Hear thy children, gentlest Mother. Francis Stanfield* (1835-1914).  This was the first of two hymns for children by Stanfield, written in the same four stanzas, and in the same metre. The other was ‘Hear thy children, gentle Jesus’*. The present (earlier) hymn was published in his Catholic Hymns (1858, 1860):  Hear thy children, gentlest Mother, Prayerful hearts to thee arise; Hear us while our evening Ave Soars beyond the starry skies.  Darkling shadows fall around us, Stars their silent watches keep; Hush the heart oppressed with sorrow Dry the tears of those who weep.  Hear, sweet Mother, hear the weary, Borne upon life’s troubled sea; Gentle guiding Star of Ocean,. Lead thy...