Lot 364
McGonagall, Sir William
Auction: 4 February 2009 at 11:00 GMT
Description
Autograph manuscript, poem entitled Lines in praise of the Royal Marriage, composed June 6th 1893, 48 Step Row, Dundee, 17 by 23cm high, torn along folds into four sections,
"God bless the lovely and sweet Princess Mary.
Also, the Duke of York, so handsome and gay.
Long life, and happiness to them, in married life.
May they always be properous and free from strife.
May their hearts, always be full of glee.
And be kind, to each other, and never disagree.
And, may the Demon, the discontent, never mar their happiness.
And, may God be their Comforter in time of distress.
May he always protect them by night, and by day.
At home, or abroad; when far away.
And I hope the charming, Princess Mary.
Will never regret her marriage day.
May God prosper the noble Duke of York and his beautiful bride.
As they jog along through life, in the world wide.
May he shower his blessings upon them everywhere.
And always keep them under his care.
And if they have children may they grow in grace.
And be an honour to the Royal race.
Of the Empress of India and Great Britain's Queen.
Who is faithful to her subjects and ever has been."
Footnote
Note: An original unpublished poem in McGonagall's hand, confirmed by the McGonagall Society, Dundee. Original autograph poems by McGonagall very rarely come up for sale. The largest collection of original autograph poems by McGonagall, comprising 41 poems, is to be found in The William McGonagall Collection in the Local History Centre of Dundee Central Library