Hymn of the Departing Elves

O Elbereth! to thee we cry
‘neath shadowed hills and darkened sky
across the great far-sund’ring seas
we see thy light through tangled trees.

Be near us, Lady, high and clear,
for we are all in darkness here
and shadowed terrors haunt the night
lend us your aid, o! grant us light!

And when death-horror round us falls
o! hear us from thine airy halls!
Rend asunder the night’s dark veil
with thine holy light, pure and pale.

The mourning exile thou wilt heed
who callest to thee in his need
and weeps for loss in Middle-earth
longing for the land of his birth.

Though tree and leaf are wild and fair,
and stars glimmer in darkened air,
still here we know all leaves must fly
and all we love pass with a sigh.

When spring is spent and all songs fade,
when gone is joy from tree and glade,
and weary hearts turn to the West
then guide us home to isles blest.