John McDermott - Mary of Argyle (I Have Heard the Mavis Singing) lyrics

I have heard the Mavis singing

his love song to the moon

I have seen the dewdrop clinging

to the rose just nearly born

But a sweeter song has cheer'd me

at the evening's gentle close

And I've seen an eye still brighter

than the dewdrop on the rose

'Twas thy voice, my gentle Mary,

and thine artless winning smile

That made this world an Eden,

Bonie Mary of Argyle

Tho' thy voice may lose its sweetness,

thine eye it's brightness too

Tho' thy step may lack its fleetness

and thy hair it's sunny hue

Still to me wilt thou be dearer

than all the world shall own

I have loved thee for thy beauty,

but not for that alone

I have watched thy heart, dear Mary

and its goodness was the wile

That has made thee mine forever,

Bonnie Mary of Argyle