8
CONCEPTA EST MARIA—II
To-day within God's Eden-garth is sown
Seed that shall be a plant for Him alone.
To-day doth time the fair foundation see
Of God's high fane of gold and ivory.
That perfect plant shall bloom with Flower of God:
That hallowed temple by His feet be trod.
Full many a lily soul of God's delight;
But none like Mary's soul, effulgent white.
Full many a soul rose-red in love's true glow;
But none like hers that fire and light shall know.
And many a virgin hears the Bridegroom's call;
But His own spotless one excels them all.
Bear it aloft, the word that cannot fail;
Hail, O thou full of grace, hail, Mary, hail!
Mother most pure, Maiden most glorious,
Mary Immaculate, oh, pray for us.
