There stood in heaven a linden tree
But though 'twas honeyladen
All angels cried, No bloom shall be
Like that of one fair maiden'

Sped Gabriel on winged feet
And passed through bolted portals
In Nazareth, a Maid to greet
Blest o'er all other mortals

Hail Mary!' quoth the angel mild
Of woman-kind the fairest
The Virgin ay shalt thou be styled
A babe although thou bearest'

So be it!' God's hand-maiden cried
According to thy telling'
Whereon the angel smartly hied
Up homeward to his dwelling

This tiding filled his mates with glee
'Twas passed from one to other
That 'twas Mary, and none but she
And God would call her Mother