Ad Matrem: I Poem by John Gray

Our blessed Mother, who is full of grace,
While she was yet of very tender years,
Turned from her parents without grief or tears,
And made her dwelling in the holy place,


Obedient to the summons in her heart;
Blind to the world, and deaf to all its praise,
To work for God, and pray, and pass her days
With those who choose the good, the better, part.


The priest and Temple servants welcome her
With open arms, who gives herself to God.
Others remain below to toil and plod;
She mounts to heights of goodness, as it were.


As God has called her, gladly she will go.
Never a thought will cross her earnest mind
Of things which she has lost and left behind.
God is her end; 'tis all she cares to know.


O happy parents! Happy Joachim,
And happy Ann, to give so sweet a prize
To God who asks it of you; in your eyes
The tears are tears of joy which make them dim.