MARY GRAY

Here’s to each Mary from first to last; To Virgin holy, heaven’s primal queen, And deepest penitent, the Magdalene; Hail Marys many through the long, long past, From proudest princess down to poor outcast. A myriad of them I’ve heard and seen, Some strong, some weak and few of sober mien; How varied they, and fervent hopes how vast! At length the Mary comes, delighting me best; Her head’s safe-guarded by the purest heart, Enriching childhood’s state with princely zest; To work devoted, and would ever display Rule over Mammon for the noblest art— All honor and long life to Mary Gray!