The First Miracle of Christ

Joseph and Mary went
To the numbering up,
And the birds began chorusing
In the woods of the turtle-doves.
The two were walking the way,
Till they reached a thick wood.
And in the wood there was fruit
Which was as red as the rasp.

That was the time when she was great,
That she was carrying the King of grace,
And she took a desire for the fruit
That was growing on the gracious slope.

Then spoke Mary to Joseph
In a voice low and sweet,
' Give to me of the fruit, Joseph,
That I may quench my desire.'

And Joseph spoke to Mary,
And the hard pain in his breast,
' I will give thee of the fruit, Mary,
But who is the father of thy burthen ? '

Then it was that the Babe spoke,
From out of her womb,
' Bend ye down every beautiful bough,
That my Mother may quench her desire.'

And from the bough that was highest
To the bough that was lowest.
They all bent down to her knee
And Mary partook of the fruit
In her loved land of prophecy.

Then Joseph said to Mary,
And he full of heavy contrition,
' It is carrying Him thou art,
The King of glory and of grace.
Blessed art thou, Mary,
Among the women of all lands.
Blessed art thou, Mary,
Among the women of all lands.'