Mary's Girlhood (For a Picture) DGR 1 University of British Columbia. Sonnet DGR 1848 November 21 fair copy 1 page The sonnet is enclosed in a letter from DGR to WMR on 22 November 1848. DGR University of British Columbia library Commentary
Introduction

The letter containing the sonnet has no bearing on the latter, which is introduced by DGR with the words: “As you have developed the sonnet taste, I'll copy one on Blake on the other side.”

Textual History: Composition

Textual History: Revision

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Sonnet This is that blessed Mary, pre-elect God's Virgin. Gone is a great while since she Dwelt thus in Nazareth of Galilee. Loving she was, with temperate respect: A profound simpleness of intellect Was hers, and extreme patience. From the knee Faithful and hopeful; wise in charity; Strong in grave peace; in duty circumspect. Thus held she through her girlhood; as it were An angel-watered lily, that near God Grows and is quiet. Till one dawn, at home, She woke in her white bed, and had no fear At all, yet wept for a brief period; Because the fulness of the time was come.