Mary Stuart while in France (1548-1561) was attended by 4 Marys of the houses of Fleming, Livingston, Seton & Beaton of Creich. In 1563 in the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, a French waiting maid who was involved with the Queen's apothecary was hung for the murder of her newborn child. Skip forward to the year 1718 or 19 in the court of Peter the Great we find Mary Hamilton, a maid of honor to Empress Catharine, was also involved with a high born, she too hung for the murder of her child. The song has been found prior to the Mary Hamilton murder of 1718.

Couldn't help writting about the confusing facts about this song. At this late hour I have no restraint or shame. To the Scottish tune of "Soldier Laddie". Barry ^^

I once was a Mary but I know not when
I took my delight with the highest of men
When they asked for a maid it seems there were twenty
I'm sure they'd not miss just one pregnant lady

But I was reduced to hide in the halls
My love wouldn't take me to court or to balls
I sued for support but I couldn't get any
It was then that I thought I'd be rid of the baby

I went to Russia & I went to France
At the court of the Queens I played them at chance
The Marys all there, they were all against me
If I'd only shared my Grand Apothecary

Now I will not weep nor will I moan
For I know I'll be thought of in ballad & song
If you know my last name give it back to my baby
The baby's not dead only her mother the Lady