Chapter XI (2)

Then Jesus, ah! and Joseph,
And Mary, that was unknown,
They travelled by a husbandman,
Just while his seed was sown.

God speed thee, man! said Jesus,
Go fetch thy ox and wain,
And carry home thy corn again,
Which thou this day hast sown.

The husbandman fell on his knees,
Even before his face;
Long time hast Thou been looked for.
But now Thou art come at last.

And I myself do now believe
Thy name is Jesus called;
Redeemer of mankind thou art,
Though undeserving all.

The truth, man, thou hast spoken,
Of it thou mayest be sure,
For I must lose my precious blood
For thee and thousands more.

If any one should come this way,
And enquire for me alone,
Tell him that Jesus passed by
As thou thy seed did sow.

After that there came king Herod,
With his train so furiously,
Enquiring of the husbandman
Whether Jesus passed by.

Why the truth it must be spoke,
And the truth it must be known,
For Jesus passed by this way,
When my seed was sown.

But now I have it reapen,
And some laid on my wain,
Ready to fetch and carry
Into my barn again.

Turn back, says the captain,
Your labour and mine’s in vain,
It’s full three quarters of a year
Since he his seed has sown.

So Herod was deceived,
By the work of God’s own hand,
And further he proceeded
Into the Holy Land.

There’s thousands of children young,
Which for his sake did die;
Do not forbid those little ones,
And do not them deny.

The truth now I have spoken,
And the truth now I have shown;
Even the blessed virgin,
She’s now brought forth a Son.

XXII.

AS it fell out one May morning,
And upon one bright holiday,
Sweet Jesus asked of his dear mother,
If He might go to play.

To play, to play, sweet Jesus shall go,
And to play pray get you gone,
And let me hear of no complaint,
At night when you come home.

Sweet Jesus went down to yonder town,
As far as the Holy Well,
And there did see as fine children
As any tongue can tell.

He said, God bless you every one,
And your bodies Christ save and see;
Little children, shall I play with you,
And you shall play with me?

But they made answer to him, No!
They were lords’ and ladies’ sons;
And He, the meanest of them all,
A maiden’s child, born in an oxen’s stall.

Sweet Jesus turned him around,
And he neither laugh’d nor smil’d,
But the tears came trickling from his eyes,
Like water from the skies.

Sweet Jesus turned him about,
To his mother’s dear home went he,
And said, I have been in yonder town,
As after you may see.

I have been down in yonder town,
As far as the Holy Well,
And there did I meet as fine children
As any tongue can tell.

I bid God bless them every one,
And their bodies Christ save and see;
Little children, shall I play with you,
And you shall play with me?

But they made answer to me, No!
They were lords’ and ladies’ sons,
And I, the meanest of them all,
A maiden’s child, born in an ox’s stall.

Though you are but a maiden’s child,
Born in an ox’s stall,
Thou art the Christ, the King of Heaven,
And the Saviour of them all.

Sweet Jesus go down to yonder town,
As far as the Holy Well,
And take away those sinful souls
And dip them deep in hell.

Nay, nay, sweet Jesus said,
Nay, nay, that may not be,
For there are too many sinful souls
Crying out for the help of me.

O then spoke the angel Gabriel,
Upon one good Saint Stephen,
Altho’ you’re but a maiden’s child,
You are the King of Heaven.

XXIII.

A VIRGIN most pure as the prophets do tell,
Hath brought forth a babe, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression had wrapt us all in.
Rejoice and be you merry, set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.

In Bethlehem city, in Jury it was,
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxed with many one more,
For Cæsar commanded the same should be so.
Rejoice, &c.

But when they had entered the city so far,
The number of people so mighty was there,
That Joseph and Mary whose substance was small,
Could get in the city no lodging at all.
Rejoice, &c.

Then they were constrained in a stable to lie,
Where oxen and asses they used to tie;
Their lodging so simple, they held it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Saviour was born.
Rejoice, &c.

The King of all Glory to the world being brought,
Small store of fine linen to wrap him was bought;
When Mary had swaddled her young son so sweet,
Within an ox manger, she laid him to sleep.
Rejoice, &c.

Then God sent an angel from heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,
And bid them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day.
Rejoice, &c.

Then presently after the shepherds did spy
A number of angels appear in the sky,
Who joyfully talked and sweetly did sing,
To God be all glory, our Heavenly King.
Rejoice, &c.

Three certain wise princes, they thought it most meet,
To lay their rich offerings at our Saviour’s feet;
Then the shepherds consented and to Bethlehem did go,
And when they came thither, they found it was so.
Rejoice, &c.

XXIV.

GOD rest you, merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born upon this day,
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day.

In Bethlehem, in Jury,
This blessed babe was born,
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn;
The which his mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings, &c.

From God, our Heavenly Father,
A blessed angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
That there was born in Bethlehem
The Son of God by name.
O tidings, &c.

Fear not then, said the Angel,
Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright;
So frequently to vanquish all
The friends of Satan quite.
O tidings, &c.

The shepherds at these tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a feeding
In tempest, storm, and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
This blessed Babe to find.
O tidings, &c.

But when they came to Bethlehem,
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen fed on hay;
His mother, Mary, kneeling,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings, &c.

Now to the Lord sing praises
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface.
O tidings, &c.

XXV.

GOD’S dear Son without beginning,
Whom the wicked Jews did scorn;
The only wise without all sinning
On this blessed day was born.
To save us all from sin and thrall,
When we in Satan’s chains were bound,
And shed his blood to do us good,
With many a purple bleeding wound.

At Bethlehem, king David’s city,
Mary’s Babe had sweet creation,
God and Man endu’d with pity,
And a Saviour of each nation.
Yet Jewry land with cruel hand,
Both first and last his power envy’d;
Where He was born, they did Him scorn,
And shew’d Him malice when He died.

No princely palace for our Saviour,
In Judea could be found.
But blessed Mary’s meek behaviour,
Patiently upon the ground,
Her babe did place in vile disgrace,
Where oxen in their stalls did feed;
No midwife mild had this sweet Child,
Nor woman’s help at mother’s need.

No kingly robes nor golden treasure
Deck’d the birth-day of God’s Son;
No pompal train at all took pleasure
To this King of kings to run.
No mantle brave could Jesus have,
Upon His cradle for to lye;
No musick’s charms in nurse’s arms,
To sing the Babe a lullaby.

Yet as Mary sat in solace,
By our Saviour’s first beginning,
Hosts of angels from God’s palace
Sounded sweet from Heaven singing;
Yea, heaven and earth, for Jesus’ birth,
With sweet melodious tunes abound,
And every thing for Jewry’s King,
Upon the earth gave chearful sound.

Then with angel’s love inspired,
The wise princes from the East,
To Bethlehem as they desired,
Came whereas the Lord did rest:
And there they laid before the maid,
Before her Son, our God and King,
Their offerings sweet, as was most meet,
Unto so great a power to bring.

Now to Him that us redeemed,
By His precious death and passion;
And us sinners so esteemed
To buy us dearly thus salvation;

Yield lasting fame that still the name
Of Jesus may be honored here;
And let us say that Christmas Day
Is still the best day in the year.

XXVI.

I SAW three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

O, they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O, they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

XXVII.

THE first nowell the angel did say
Was to three poor shepherds in the fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
In a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, &c.

And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell, &c.

This star drew nigh to the north-west,
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, &c.

Then did they know assuredly
Within that house the King did lie;
One entered in then for to see,
And found the Babe in poverty.
Nowell, &c.

Then enter’d in those wise men three,
Most reverently upon their knee,
And offer’d there, in His presence,
Both gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Nowell, &c.

Between an ox-stall and an ass,
This child truly there born He was;
For want of clothing they did Him lay
All in the manger, among the hay.
Nowell, &c.

Then let us all, with one accord,
Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord,
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
Nowell, &c.

If we in our time shall do well,
We shall be free from death and hell;
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting-place in general.
Nowell, &c.

XXVIII.

THE Lord at first had Adam made
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life,
E’en as the Scriptures say;
And then in Eden’s Paradise
He placed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain,
To dress and keep it well.
Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live,
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

And thus within the garden he
Commanded was to stay;
And unto him in commandment
These words the Lord did say:
“The fruit that in the garden grows
To thee shall be for meat,
Except the tree in the midst thereof,
Of which thou shalt not eat.
Now let good, &c.

“For in that day thou dost it touch,
Or dost it then come nigh,
And if that thou dost eat thereof,
Then thou shalt surely die.”
But Adam he did take no heed
To that same only thing,
But did transgress God’s holy laws,
And sore was wrapp’d in sin.
Now let good, &c.

Now mark the goodness of the Lord,
Which He to mankind bore;
His mercy soon he did extend
Lost man for to restore;
And then, for to redeem our souls
From death, and hell, and thrall,
He said his own dear Son should come
The Saviour of us all.
Now let good, &c.

Which promise now is brought to pass,
Christians believe it well,
And by the coming of God’s Son,
We are redeem’d from hell.
And if we truly do believe,
And do the thing that’s right,
Then by His merits we at last
Shall live in Heaven bright.
Now let good, &c.

Now, for the benefits that we
Enjoy from Heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness,
And live in perfect love.
Then shall we do Christ’s own command,
Even his written word;
And when we die, in Heaven we shall
Enjoy our living Lord.
Now let good, &c.

And now the tide is nigh at hand,
In which our Saviour came;
Let us rejoice and merry be,
In keeping of the same.
Let’s feed the poor and hungry sort,
And such as do it crave;
And when we die, in Heaven be sure
Our reward we shall have.
Now let good, &c.

XXIX.

TO-MORROW shall be my dancing day,
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.

Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance;
Thus was I knit to man’s nature,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

In a manger laid and wrapp’d I was,
So very poor, this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

Then afterwards baptized I was,
The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Father’s voice heard from above,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

Into the desert I was led,
Where I fasted without substance;
The Devil bade me make stones my bread,
To have me break my true love’s dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

The Jews on me they made great suit,
And with me made great variance,
Because they lov’d darkness rather than light,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

For thirty pence Judas me sold,
His covetousness for to advance;
Mark whom I kiss, the same do hold,
The same is he shall lead the dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

Before Pilate the Jews me brought,
Where Barabbas had deliverance,
They scourg’d me and set me at nought,
Judged me to die to lead the dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

Then on the cross hanged I was,
Where a spear to my heart did glance,
There issued forth both water and blood,
To call my true love to my dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

Then down to hell I took my way
For my true love’s deliverance,
And rose again on the third day,
Up to my true love and the dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

Then up to Heaven I did ascend.
Where now I dwell in sure substance,
On the right hand of God, that man
May come unto the general dance.
Sing, oh! &c.

XXX.

NOW when Joseph and Mary
Were to Bethlehem bound,
They with travelling were weary,
Yet no lodging they found
In the city of David,
Tho’ they sought o’er all;
They, alas! could not have it,
But in an oxes stall.

The place was no braver
But as mean as might be,
Our Redeemer and Saviour,
The great King of Glory,
Then the sweet Babe of Heaven
Was born there we find,
Whose sweet life was once given
For the sins of mankind.

Whilst the shepherds were feeding
Of their flocks in the fields,
The birth of our Saviour
Unto them was revealed;
Many angels assembling,
In their glory appeared,
Whilst the shepherds were trembling,
Being smitten with fear.

O forbear to be fearful,
We have reason to sing;
Then rejoice and be chearful,
We glad tidings do bring:
There is born in the city
Of David, therefore,
Such a Saviour of pity,
Whom we all do adore.

He’s the Prince of Salvation,
Then be not afraid,
And with this salutation
To the shepherds they said,
Be no longer a stranger,
For in mean swadling clothes
He is laid in a manger;
Then the shepherds arose.

Being resolved together
They to Bethlehem go,
And when they came thither
They found it was so;
They with duty adore him,
Coming where he was laid—
Strait they fell down before him,
This obedience they made.

Nay, the wise men, whose prudence
Had discovered the star,
Came to pay their obedience
When they travell’d from far;
Bringing with them the choicest
That their land did afford,
Of gold, myrrh, and spices,
To present to the Lord.

Their example engages
Every Christian to be,
Ever since in all ages,
Both noble and free;
Then rejoice and be merry,
In a moderate way,
Never, never be weary,
To honour this day.

Which afforded a blessing
To the race of mankind,
Far beyond all expressing
Therefore let us mind;
Whilst on earth he was dwelling,
He was still doing good,
Nay, his love more excelling,
For he shed his own blood.

To redeem us and save us
From the guilt of our sins,
For His love he would have us
A new life to begin;
Then remember the season,
Be you kind to the poor,
It’s no more than is reason,
We have blessings in store.

XXXI.

THIS new Christmas carol, let us cheerfully sing,
To the honor and glory of our Heavenly King;
Who was born of a virgin, blessed Mary by name,
For poor sinners’ redemption, to the world here He came.

The mighty Jehovah, by the prophets foretold,
That the sweet Babe of Heaven mortal eyes should behold;
Both King, Prince, and Prophet, nay, our Saviour beside,
Let His name through all ages be ever glorified.

Now, when Joseph and Mary was espoused, we find,
Having seen her condition, he was grieved in mind;
Aye, and thought to dismiss her, whom he loved so dear,
But an angel from Heaven did her innocence clear.

He declared in a vision, that a Son she should have,
By the Father appointed, fallen mortals to save;
And the same should be called blessed Jesus by name,
From the high court of Heaven this Ambassador came.

Then the righteous man, Joseph, believed the news,
And the sweet Virgin Mary he did no wise refuse;
Thus the blest amongst women, did bear and bring forth
A sweet Prince of Salvation, both in Heaven and Earth.

When the days of her travail did begin to draw nigh,
Righteous Joseph and Mary went immediately
To the city of David, to be taxed indeed,
E’en as Cæsar Augustus had firmly decreed.

Being come to the city, entertainment they crave,
But the inns were so filled they no lodging could have,
For the birth of our Saviour, though he was Prince of all,
He could have there no place but a poor oxes stall.

Now the proud may come hither, and perfectly see,
The most excellent pattern of humility;
For, instead of a cradle, deckt with ornaments gay,
Here, the great King of Glory, in a manger He lay.

As the shepherds were feeding their flocks in the field,
The sweet birth of our Saviour unto them was revealed,
By blest angels of glory, who those tidings did bring,
And directed the shepherds to their heavenly King.

When the wise men discover’d the bright heavenly star,
Then with gold and rich spices, straight they came from afar,
In obedience to worship with a heavenly mind,
Knowing that He was born for the good of mankind.

Let us learn of those sages, who were wise, to obey;
Nay, we find through all ages they have honoured this day,
Ever since our Redeemer’s bless’d nativity,
Who was born of a virgin to set sinners free.

XXXII.

WHEN Cæsar did the sceptre sway,
Of Roman state God’s word did say,
That all the world should out of hand,
Be taxed by his great command.
Noel, noel, we may rejoice
To hear the angel Gabriel’s voice—Noel, noel.

In David’s city, in Bethlehem,
Great store of people thither came,
According to the king’s decree,
In Jury land taxed to be.
Noel, noel, &c.

Then Joseph with his virgin bright,
Came with the rest at that same tide,
And their substance being but small,
Could get in the inn no lodging at all.
Noel, noel, &c.

At length a stable room they had,
In which the virgin was full glad;
And in that stable so forlorn
The world’s Redeemer there was born.
Noel, &c.

No palace nor a costly inn
Was found to put our Saviour in;
No costly robes of silver and gold,
To wrap Him in as reason would.
Noel, &c.

No music nor sweet melody,
But glorious angels from on high,
Declare to shepherds where they lay,
That Jesus Christ was born this day.
Noel, &c.

Thus Jesus Christ, in humble wise,
Appeared thus to human eyes;
Then may we all both more and less
Cast off the bands of wickedness.
Noel, &c.

Let variance, strife, and all debate,
’Twixt neighbours now be out of date,
That peace may spread throughout earth then,
There shall be good will with men.
Noel, &c.

Rejoice, rejoice, in sober wise,
And praise the Lord who rules the skies,
Who for our sakes thought it no scorn
To give command now Christ is born.
Noel, &c.

XXXIII.

SAINT Stephen was an holy man,
Endued with heavenly might,
And many wonders he did work
Before the people’s sight.
And by the blessed Spirit of God,
Which did his heart inflame,
He spared not in every place
To preach Christ Jesus’ name.
O man, do never faint nor fear,
When God the truth shall try,
But mark how Stephen for Christ’s sake
Was willing for to die.

Which doctrine seem’d most wond’rous strange
Among the faithless Jews,
And for the same despitefully
Good Stephen they accused.
Before the elders was he brought
His answer for to make,
But they could not his spirit withstand,
Whereby this man did speak.
O man, &c.

And then false witness did appear,
And looked him in the face,
And said he spake blasphemous words
Against that holy place;
And how he said that Jesus Christ
The temple would destroy,
And change the laws which they so long
From Moses did enjoy.
O man, &c.

Whilst this was told, the multitude
Beholding him aright,
His comely face began to shine
Most like an angel bright.
The high priest then to them did say,
And bid them tell at large,
If this was true, which at that time
They laid unto his charge.
O man, &c.

Then Stephen did put forth his voice,
And he did first unfold
The wond’rous works that God hath wrought,
Even from their fathers old;
That they thereby might plain perceive
Christ Jesus should be he,
That from the burthen of the law
Should save us frank and free.
O man, &c.

But, oh! quoth he, you wicked men,
Which of the prophets all
Did not your fathers persecute
And keep in woeful thrall;
Who told the coming of the just
In prophecies most plain;
Who here amongst you was betray’d
And most unjustly slain?
O man, &c.

But when they heard him so to say,
Their hearts in sunder clave,
And gnashing on him with their teeth,
Like mad men they did rave;
And with a shout most loud and shrill,
Upon him they all ran,
And then without the city gates
They ston’d this holy man.
O man, &c.

Then he most meekly on his knees,
To God did pray at large,
Desiring that He would not lay
This sin unto their charge;
Then yielding up his soul to God,
Who had it dearly bought,
He lost his life, whose body then
To grave was seemly brought.
O man, &c.

XXXIV.

HARK! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinner reconcil’d.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.

Joyfull all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald, &c.

Christ by highest Heaven ador’d,
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Hark! the herald, &c.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing on His wings.
Hark! the herald, &c.

Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald, &c.

XXXV.

Su l’ar “MA MERE MARIEZ-MOI.”

GUILLÔ, pran ton tamborin;
Toi, pran tai fleùte, Robin.
Au son de cés instruman,
Turelurelu, patapatapan;
Au son de cés instruman
Je diron Noei gaiman.

C’ étó lai môde autrefoi
De loüé le Roi dé Roi,
Au son de cés instruman,
Turelurelu, patapatapan;
Au son de cés instruman,
Ai nos an fan faire autan.

Ce jor le Diale at ai cu,
Randons an graice ai Jésu,
Au son de cés instruman,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Au son de cés instruman,
Fezon lai nique ai Satan.

L’homme & Dei son pu d’aicor
Que lai fleùte & le tambor.
Au son de cés instruman,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Au son de cés instruman,
Chanton, danson, sautons-an.

XXXVI.

Per le jour des Reys.

_Un Pastou ben de Hiérusalém & dits a sons Coumpaignons._

DE noubélos Efans, en benen de la bilo
E’ bist passá, tres Reys d’uno faysso gentilo,
E’ demandon per tout l’hostalet benazit
Que le Rey d’Israel per palays a cauzit.

Qualqu’un a decelat que porton per estrenos,
Tres Brustietos d’Encens, d’Or, é de Myrro plenos
Que li ban humblomen ufri, digomendiu,
Que confesson deja qu’el es Rey, home, Diu.

Elis parlon sampa de l’Efantet aymable
Que nous aus l’autre jour troubeguen à l’estable,
A qui Peyret dounéc un Aignelet pla fayt,
E’ jou sense reprochi, un picharrou de layt.

Posco dounc oüey metis uno ta bélo troupo
Hurousomen trouba le bél efan de poupo,
Mentre que de nous aus quadun le pregara
De nous salba l’esprit quand le cos mourira.

XXXVII.

TRES Rei de l’Orian
Son conduit per un Astre
Ver lou nouvel Enfan,
Qu’an adoura lei Pastre
Venouen sensen
Creigne auū desastre,
L’Astre avancen
S’arreste en Bethlehem.

S’isten, vount ’ei l’Enfan,
Fixa l’astre admirable,
Intron dessu lou chan,
Trouvon Jesus aimable.
Descouvron qu’ei
Lou sul Dieou veritable,
Qu’es homme, & rei;
Chacun lou recounei.

A ginoux, à sei pé
Entoura de sei pagé
Em’un profond respé,
Liaguen fa seis houmage
Lisfron perlor
Aquelei pious mage
De sei tresor
L’encen, la mirrhe, & l’or.

Fasen nostei presen
A Jesus, qui nous amou,
Oufren li nostei ben,
Nostei cor, nosteis amou.
Enfan tan doux,
Vost’amour nous enflamou,
Nou charma tous;
Voulen ama que vous.

XXXVIII.

Sur un chant joyeux.

QUAND Dieu naquit á Noël
Dedans la Judeé,
On vit ce jour solemnel
La joie inondée;
Se n’etoit ni petit ni grand
Qui n’apportât son presént,
Et n’o, n’o, n’o, n’o,
Et n’offrit, frit, frit,
Et n’o, n’o, & n’offrit,
Et n’offrit sans cesse Toute sa richesse.

L’un apportoit un agneau
Avec un grand zele,
L’autre un peu de lait nouveau
Dedans une écuelle;
Tel, sous ses pauvres habits,
Cachoit un peu de pain bis,
Pour la, la, la, la,
Pour la, sain, sain, sain,
Pour la, la, pour la sain,
Pour la Ste Vierge et Joseph Concierge.

Ce bon Père putatif
De Jesus mon Maitre,
Que le pasteur plus chétif
Desiroit connaitre,
D’un air obligeant & doux,
Recevoit les dons, de tous,
Sans cé, cé, cé, cé,
Sans céré, ré, ré,
Sans cé, cé, sans céré,
Sans cérémoniè, Pour le fruit de vie.

Il ne fut pas jusqu’ aux Rois
Du rivage Maure,
Qui joint au nombre de trois,
Ne vinssent encore;
Ces bons Princes d’Orient.
Offrirent en le priant,
L’en, l’en, l’en, l’en, l’en,
Cens, cens, cens, cens, cens,
L’en, l’en, l’en, cens, cens, cens,
L’encens & la myrrhe et l’or qu’on admire.

Quoiqu’il n’en eût pas besoin,
Jesus notre Maitre,
Il en prit avecque soin
Pour faire connoitre
Qu’il avoit les qualités
Par ces dons représentés,
D’un vrai, vrai, vrai, vrai,
D’un Roi, Roi, Roi, Roi,
D’un vrai, vrai, d’un Roi, Roi,
D’un vrai, Roi de Gloire en qui l’on doit croire.

Plaise à ce divin Enfant
Nous faire la grâce,
Dans son sejour triomphant
D’avoir une place:
Si nous y sommes jamais,
Nous goûterons une paix
De lon, lon, lon, lon,
De gue, gue, gue, gue,
De lon, lon, de gue, gue,
De longue durée dans cet empireé.

XXXIX.

Sur l’air “VER LOU POURTAOU SAN-LAZE.”

LON de la gran carriere,
Ver lou Pourtaou-Limber,
Ay vis pareisse en l’air
Un Ange de lumiere,
Cridavou de per-tout,
Bergié, reveillas-vous.

Ere su ma mounture,
D’abord sieou descendu,
Et m’a dit, beou Moussu,
Ay, la belle aventure,
Es na lou Fis de Dieou,
Toun Mestre amay lou mieou.

Foou quitta ta famille,
Vay-t’en en Bethelem,
Trouvaras l’Inoucen
A cent pas de la ville,
Portou-ye quaouquouren,
Es lougea paouramen.

Ay poursui moun vouyage,
Ay vis veni de gen,
Qu’eroun touteis ensen,
Em’un grand equipage,
Erou trés gran Seignour,
Eme toutou sa cour.

Chascun avié sei Page,
Eme sei Gardou cor,
Me sieou pensa d’abor,
Qu’éroun leis trés Rei Mage,
Que venien adoura
Lou gran Rei nouveou na.

Me sieou més à n’un cayre,
Per lei leissa passa,
Et puis ay demanda
A seis homes d’affayre,
Si van en Bethelem
Veire lou Dieou neissen.

Yá un d’aquelei Garde
Que má brutalisa,
Su lou cham m’a douna
Un bon co d’halabarde:
Si m’espouffesse pa,
Me venié may piqua.

Yeou ay suivi la foulou,
Sen me descouragea,
La doulour m’a passa,
Ou bout d’une miéchourou,
Sieou ana eme lou trin
Jusquo ver lou Douphin.

Avien de dromadairou,
Quantita de charrios,
Et de cameou fort gros,
La suite érou fort bellou,
Jamay yeou n’ay ren vi
Eme tant de plesi.

Un astre lei guidave,
Plus brillan qu’un souleou,
Jamay ren de tant beou,
Tout lou mounde badave:
Lou tem m’a ren dura,
Tant ére esmerveilla.

Aprés dex jour de marche,
L’astre s’es arresta
Sur un lio tout trouca,
Ben plus precioux que l’Arche,
Aqui lou Tout-puissan
Parci coum’un enfan.

XL.

Sur l’ayre, “QUAND JE ME LEVE LE MATIN.”

L’AN mil siés cens quaranto cinc,
Repassen per nostro memorio,
Coussi Jousép en paure trinc
Acoumpaignée le Réy de Glorio,
Quand demourabo dins les réns
De Mario la piucélo préns.

Jousép é Mario maridats
En Béthléhen sén ban amaço,
Nou soun pas fort amounedats.
Més bé soun de Rouyalo raço,
E l’efan és Rey dins les réns,
De Mario la piucélo préns.

Sense gran argen al paquét
N’an pas un trinc de grand parado,
Non menoun que le bourriquét
Dambé le bioou soun camarado,
Diu mentretan és dins les réns,
De Mario la piucélo préns.

Aprép un penible cami
Sant Jousép é la santo méro,
Que nou saben pas oun dourmi,
Ban beilha dins uno feignéro,
Oun l’efan que Diu sort des réns
Nou laysso plus sa méro préns.

Aqui la paillo lour fa liéyt
Sense cousseno ni courtino,
Oun las estelos de la néyt
Bezen ajayre lour Regino,
E’ naysse l’efan de sous réns
Piucélo toutjour é nou préns.

XLI.

J’ANTAN po no ruë,
Passai lé menétrei,
Acouté come ai juë.
Su los hauboi dé noei;
No devan le feù
Po le meù,
Chantons an jeusqu’ai méneù.

An Deçanbre on trezeule,
Dé noei tô lé jor;
Dé chantre fot-an-gueule,
An antone é carrefor;
No devan le feù, &c.

Lé borgei dan lai grainge
Voù grulló le Pòpon,
Chantire ai sai loüainge
Dé noei de tô lé ton;
No devan le feù, &c.

Lé bone jan disire
De noei bé dévo,
Ma quant ai lé chantire,
Ai n’aivein pa lé pié chau;
No devan le feù, &c.

Dans lo froide chambrôte,
Lé none an ce sain moi,
Faute d’autre émusôte,
Chante noei queique foi;
No devan, &c.

Lé prôve laivandeire,
Au son de lo rullô,
An chante ai lai riveire,
Lai téte au van, lé pié mô!
No devan, &c.

Qui montre au feù sé cueùsse
Trepille de chantai,
Qui sòfle dan sé peùce,
Nán di pa noei si gai’;
No devan, &c.

XLII.

I HERE along our street
Pass the minstrel throngs:
Hark! they play so sweet,
On their hautboys, Christmas songs!
Let us by the fire
Ever higher
Sing them till the night expire!

In December ring,
Every day the chimes;
Loud the gleemen sing,
In the streets, their merry rhymes.
Let us, &c.

Shepherds at the grange,
Where the Babe was born,
Sang with many a change,
Christmas carols until morn.
Let us, &c.

These good people sang,
Songs devout and sweet,
While the rafters rang,
There they stood with freezing feet.
Let us, &c.

Nuns in frigid cells,
At this holy tide,
For want of something else,
Christmas songs at times have tried.
Let us, &c.

Washerwomen old,
To the sound they beat,
Sing by rivers cold,
With uncovered heads and feet.
Let us, &c.

Who by the fireside stands,
Stamps his feet and sings;
But he who blows his hands,
Not so gay a carol brings.
Let us by the fire
Ever higher
Sing them till the night expire.

A Mock Play.

ACT I.—SCENE I.

_Enter_ Alexander.—Alexander _speaks_.

SILENCE, brave gentlemen; if you will give me an eye,
_Alexander_ is my name, I’ll sing the Tragedy;
A ramble here I took, the country for to see,
Three actors here I’ve brought so far from _Italy_;
The first I do present, he is a noble king,
He’s just come from the wars, good tidings he doth bring;
The next that doth come in, he is a docter good,
Had it not been for him, I’d surely lost my blood:
Old _Dives_ is the next, a miser you may see,
Who, by lending of his gold, is come to poverty.
So, gentlemen, you see four actors will go round;
Stand off a little while, more pastime shall be found.
[_Exeunt._