Once I loved thee, Mary dear
S. Foster
Once I loved thee, Mary dear,
O how truly!
As the dewdrop bright and clear,
Born but newly,
Sparkling in the solar rays,
To the rosebud's beauty, pays
Tribute duly,
Tribute duly.
Once I loved thee, Mary dear, O how truly!
Once I loved thee, Mary dear, O now truly!
I loved thee, when in early youth
Lovely ever
Virtuous pride and honest truth
Ne'er could sever,
And thy heart was pure and bright
As the early morning's light,
Sinning never,
Sinning never.
Once I loved thee, Mary dear, O how truly!
Once I loved thee, Mary dear
Still, God bless thee!
May ever blissful prospects cheer
And joy caress thee;
Though I drain my cups apart,
May, liek mine, a saddened heart
Ne'ever distress thee
Ne'ever distress thee.
Once I loved thee, Mary dear, O how truly!
Youth will fleet, and age will come,
Slowly, slowly;
Death will beat its muffled drum,
Lowly, lowly;
May the passing moments roll
Bliss eternal to thy soul,
Holy, holy,
Holy, holy.
Once I loved thee, Mary dear, O how truly!