The Lady's Well

It flowed — like Light from the voice of God,
Silent, and calm, and fair ;
It shone where the child and the parent trod,
In the soft and evening air.

" Look at that spring, my father dear,
Where the white blossoms fell :
Why is it always bright and clear ?
And why the Lady's Well ? "

" Once on a time, my own dear child,
There dwelt across the sea
A lovely Mother, meek and mild,
From blame and blemish free.

" And Mary was her blessed name,
Though not by men ador'd :
Its sound some thoughts of love should claim
From all who love their Lord.

" A Child was hers — a Heavenly birth,
As pure as pure could be :
He had no father of the earth,
The Son of God was He.

" He came down to her from above,
He died upon the Cross :
We never can do for Him, my love,
What He hath done for us.

" And so to make His praise endure,
Because of Jesu's fame,
Our fathers called things bright and pure
By His fair Mother's name.

" She is the Lady of the Well,
Her memory was meant
With lily and with rose to dwell,
By waters innocent."