Virgin-born, we bow before thee:
blessed was the womb that bore thee;
Mary, maid and mother mild,
blessed was she in her child.

Blessed was the breast that fed thee;
blessed was the hand that led thee;
blessed was the parent's eye
that watched thy slumbering infancy.

Blessed she by all creation,
who brought forth the world's Salvation;
blessed they, for ever blest,
who love thee most and serve thee best.

Virgin-born, we bow before thee:
blessed was the womb that bore thee;
Mary, maid and mother mild,
blessed was she in her child.


Reginald Heber (1783-1826)