1. When Mary gathered summer's yield
and vines were heavy laden,
a holy angel was revealed
to Mary in her garden.

2. 'O highly favoured child of earth,
what bliss shall be your burden!'
And Gabriel foretold the birth
to Mary in her garden.

3. Yet Mary knew this could not be
for her, a virgin maiden,
but came this word of royal decree
to Mary in her garden:

4. 'The fruit of heaven you shall bear,
the sins of earth to pardon.'
And never seemed that fruit so fair
to Mary in her garden.

5. And so it was in tender spring
with bud and flower still hidden
that came the holy Infant King
to Mary in her garden.

Bill Stead

© Bill Stead / Jubilate Hymns
8 7 8 7
Tune: THE LINDEN TREE

CCL# 4843409