The Shepherds Went their Hasty Way

Words: Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 - 1834)

Music: John Francis Barnett
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer
Verse 1 Only

Source: Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old, Third Series (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1878), Carol #63.

1. The shepherds went their hasty way,
And found the lowly stable-shed
Where the Virgin-Mother lay:
And now they checked their eager tread,
For to the Babe, that at her bosom clung,
A Mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung.

2. They told her how a glorious light,
Streaming from a heavenly throng.
Around them shone, suspending night!
While sweeter than a mother's song,
Blest Angels heralded the Savior's birth,
Glory to God on high! and Peace on Earth.

3. She listened to the tale divine,
And closer still the Babe she pressed:
And while she cried, the Babe is mine!
A mother's love o'erflowed her breast¹
Joy rose within her, like a summer's morn;
Peace, Peace on Earth! the Prince of Peace is born.

4. Thou Mother of the Prince of Peace,
Poor, simple, and of low estate!
That strife should vanish, battle cease,
O why should this thy soul elate?
Sweet Music's loudest note, the Poet's story,
Didst thou ne'er love to hear of fame and glory?

5. And is not War a youthful king,
A stately Hero clad in mail?
Beneath his footsteps laurels spring;
Him Earth's majestic monarchs hail
Their friends, their playmate! and his bold bright eye
Compels the maiden's love-confessing sigh.

6. Tell this in some more courtly scene,
To maids and youths in robes of state!
I am a woman poor and mean,
And wherefore is my soul elate.
War is a ruffian, all with guilt defiled,
That from the aged father's tears his child!

7. A murderous fiend, by fiens adored,
He kills the sire and starves the son;
The husband kills, and from her board
Steals all his widow's toil had won;
Plunders God's world of beauty; rends away
All safety from the night, all comfort from the day.²

8. Then wisely is my soul elate,
That strife should vanish, battle cease:
I'm poor and of low estate,
The Mother of the Prince of Peace.
Joy rises in me, like a summer's morn:
Peace, Peace on Earth! The Prince of Peace is born!

Notes

1. Originally: The milk rushed faster to her breast Return

2. Original verse 7 omitted in Bramley and Stainer. Return

Sheet Music from Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1878).

Also found in A. H. Bullen, A Christmas Garland (London: John C. Nimmo, 1885), pp. 75-7. He adds this note at page 257: "Few great poets have written more execrably than Coleridge, when he is at his worst. His carol begins well; but nothing more inappropriate could be conceived than the reference to “The maiden’s love-confessing sigh,” “War is a ruffian,” &c. The carol was written in 1799, two years after the peerless Kubla Khan and the first part of Christabel."

Rosetti - A Christmas Carol

Words: Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894), alt.
Compare: A Christmas Carol (The Shepherds had an Angel)

Music: Harold E. Darke (1888-1976), 1920
Sheet music is available from Stainer & Bell, London.
This setting is described as Soprano Solo, SATB and Organ.
Meter: Irregular

The shepherds had an angel,
The wise men had a star;
But what have I, a little child,
To guide me home from far,
Where glad stars sing together,
And singing angels are?

The Wise Men left their country
To journey morn by morn,
With gold and frankincense and myrrh,
Because the Lord was born:
God sent a star to guide them,
And sent a dream to warn.

My life is like their journey,
Their star is like God's book.
I must be like these good Wise Men,
With heav'n-ward heart and look:
But shall I give no gifts to God?
What precious gifts they took

Lord, I will give my love to Thee,
Than gold much costlier.
Sweeter to Thee than frankincense,
More prized than the choicest myrrh,
Lord, make me dearer day by day,
Day by day holier; (Day by day holier.).

Nearer and dearer day by day,
Till I my voice unite
And sing "Glory, glory"
With angels clad in white;
All "Glory, glory" given to Thee,
All "Glory, glory" given to Thee.

Through all the heav'nly height.
All "Glory, glory."
Through all the heav'nly height.
All "Glory, glory." given to Thee.

A Christmas Carol

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 230-1.

Chorus. What sweeter music can we bring,
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!
Heart, ear, and eye, and everything,
Awake! the while the active finger
Runs divisions with the singer.

(From the flourish they come to the song.)

Dark and dull night, fly hence away,
And give the honour to this day,
That sees December turn'd to May.
If we may ask the reason, say
The why and wherefore all things here
Seem like the springtime of the year?
Why does the chilling winter's morn
Smile like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like to a mead new-shorn,
Thus on the sudden? Come and see
The cause why things thus fragrant be:
'Tis He is born whose quickening birth
Gives life and lustre public mirth
To heaven and the under-earth.

Chorus. We see Him come, and know Him ours,
Who with His sunshine and His showers
Turns all the patient ground to flowers.

The Darling of the world is come,
And fit it is we find a room
To welcome Him. The nobler part
Of all the house here, is the heart.

Chorus. Which we will give him; and bequeath
This holly and this ivy wreath,
To do him honour who's our King,
The Lord of all this revelling.

Also found in A. H. Bullen, A Christmas Garland (London: John C. Nimmo, 1885), pp. 66-7.

Let us sing the birth, Nostri Salvatoris

1. Let us sing the birth, Nostri Salvatoris;
Bringing grace to earth, Dei sui Patris!
Lo, this child, how high was He
Now made low to our degree!
Kings of Kings most holy,
Born in manger lowly!
In excelsis gloria!
Shepherds woke, heard the call,
Ikn excelsis gloria!

Chorus
O sing, all ye lowly folk, o’er all the earth!
O sing, all ye angels for our Saviour’s birth!
Noel, Noel, Noel,
Christ is born today!
Noel, Noel,
Christ is born today!

2. Angels sang His birth, Juncti pastoribus;
Sang of peace on earth, Puer nobis natus!
God hath come with man to life,
Joy to lowly hearts to give!
Shepherds told the story,
Saw the heavenly glory!
In excelsis gloria!
Shepherds woke, heard the call,
Ikn excelsis gloria! Chorus

3. Who will not adore? Adeamus omnes;
Praising God once more, Propter nos mortales.
Good men all, with mirth and cheer
Keep your Christmas feast this fear,
Each one high and lowly,
Praising God most holy!
In excelsis gloria!
Shepherds woke, heard the call,
Ikn excelsis gloria! Chorus

4. Sing our Savious’s birth,
Peace to all on earth;
Sing, oh, sing Noel!
Joyful tidings tell!
Sing our Savious’s birth
Peace to all on earth;
Sing, oh, sing Noel!
Joyful tidings tell!

5. Angels at His birth,
Sang of peace on earth;
Sing we, then, Noel!
Heavenly tidings tell!
Angels at His birth,
Sang of peace on earth;
Sing we, then, Noel!
Heavenly tidings tell!

A Carol for Christmas Eve / The Lord at First Had Adam Made

A Carol For Christmas Eve

The Lord At First Had Adam Made

Words: Traditional

Music: Traditional

Source: Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old, Second Series (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., 1871), Carol #21

1. 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.

Chorus
Now let good Christians all begin
A holier life to live, [1]
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

2. And thus within the garden he
Was set, therein to stay;
And in commandment unto him
These words the Lord did say:
"The fruit which in the garden grows
To thee shall be for meat,
Except the tree in midst thereof
Of which thou shall not eat." Chorus

3. "For in the day thou shalt it touch
Or dost to it come nigh,
If so thou do but eat thereof,
Then thou shalt surely die."
But Adam he did take no heed
Unto that only thing,
But did transgress God’s holy Law,
And so was wrapt in sin. Chorus

4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord,
Which He to mankind bore;
His mercy soon He did extend,
Lost man for to restore:
And therefore to redeem our souls [2]
From death and hell and thrall, [3]
He said His own dear Son should be
The Saviour of us all. Chorus

5. Which promise now is brought to pass:
Christians, believe it well:
And by the death of God’s dear Son,
We are redeemed from Hell.
So if we truly do believe,
And do the thing that’s right,
Then by His merits we at least
Shall live in heaven bright. Chorus

6. 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 souls.
And such as do it crave;
And when we die, in heaven we
Our sure reward shall have. Chorus

1. Or: A 'holy' life to live (Sandys) Return

2. Or: And 'then, for' to redeem our souls Return

3. Or: From death and 'hellish' thrall Return

Alternate Fifth Verse:

Now for the blessings we enjoy,
Which are from heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness,
And live in perfect love:
Then shall we do Christ's own command,
E'en His own written word;
And when we die, in heaven shall
Enjoy our living Lord: Chorus

Sheet Music from Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1871)

==================================================

The Lord At First Had Adam Made

For Christmas Eve

Alternate Titles:
A Carol For Christmas Eve
The New Adam

Words: Traditional

Music: Traditional
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Based on score in Bramley & Stainer

Source: William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (London: Richard Beckley, 1833), p. 67
Also found in William Sandys, Christmas-tide, Its History, Festivities and Carols, With Their Music (London: John Russell Smith, 1852), pp. 263-5.

1. 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. [1]
And then in Eden’s Paradise
He placed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain,
To dress and keep it well.

Chorus
Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live, [1a]
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

2. And thus within the garden he
Commanded was to stay;
And unto him in commandment [2]
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 shall not eat. Chorus

3. For in the day thou dost it touch
Or dost it then come nigh, [3]
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't in sin. Chorus

4. 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. Chorus

5. 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.
So if we truly do believe,
And do the thing that’s right,
Then by His merits we at last
Shall live in Heaven bright. Chorus

6. Now, for the benefits that we
Enjoy from Heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness,
And life 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. Chorus

7. 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, [4]
And such as do it crave;
And when we die, in Heaven be sure
Our reward we shall have. Chorus

Notes:

1. Or: As Holy Scriptures say: Return

1a. Or: A holier life to live. Return

2. Or: And we to him to statute good Return

3. Or: Or unto it come nigh. Return

4. Or:

Let's feed the poor and clothe the bare,
And love both great and small,
That when we die, to Heaven at last
Our Lord may bring us all. Return

Alternate Third Verse:

Now for the blessing we enjoy
Which are from heav'n above,
Let us renounce all wickedness,
And live in perfect love:
Then shall we do Christ's own command,
E'en his own written word
And when we die, in heaven shall
Enjoy our living Lord. Chorus

Editor's Note:

This carol was also published by Davies Gilbert in Ancient Christmas Carols, with the tunes to which they were formerly sung in the West of England, 1822 in eight verses. Sir Richard R. Terry reproduced five of them in Gilbert and Sandys' Christmas Carols (London: Burns, Oates & Washbourne, Ltd., 1931). They are substantially the same as reproduced by Sandys. Differences are noted in italics.

1. The Lord at first did Adam make
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.

Chorus
Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live,
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

2. And then within the garden he
Commanded was to stay;
And unto him in commandment
These words the Lord did say:
'The fruit which in the garden grows
To thee shall be for meat,
Except the tree in the midst thereof
Of which thou shall not eat. Chorus

3. For in the day thou thou shall eat
Or do it them come nigh,
For if that thou doth eat thereof,
Then surely thou shalt die.'
But Adam he did take no heed
Unto that only thing,
But did transgress God’s holy law,
And so was wrapt in sin. Chorus

4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord,
Which He for mankind bore;
His mercy soon He did extend,
Lost man for to restore:
And then for to redeem our souls
From death, and hellish thrall,
He said His own dear Son should be
The Saviour of us all. Chorus

5. Which promise now is brought to pass:
Christians, believe it well;
And by the coming of God’s dear Son,
We are redeemed from thrall.
Then if we truly do believe,
And do the thing aright,
Then by His merits we at last
Shall live in Heaven bright. Chorus

Sheet Music from Sandys, 1833

Sheet Music from Sandys, 1852

Sheet Music from Richard R. Terry, Gilbert and Sandys' Christmas Carols (London: Burns, Oates & Washbourne, Ltd., 1931)

Terry: Words and Music from Gilbert
Melody From Gilbert: MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Terry: Words and Music from Sandys

Sheet Music "West of England" from Rev. Richard R. Chope, Carols For Use In Church (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), Carol #2

Sheet Music from Charles L. Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (Boston: Parish Choir, 1916), Carol #506
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Sheet Music from William Henry Husk, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868)

Sheet Music from Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer, The English Carol Book, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd., 1913), Carol #22
First Tune: Same as Hutchins, above.
Second Tune: MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

First Tune

Second Tune

---

Husk, William Henry, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868):

This seems peculiar to the West-country. It was printed by Davies Gilbert in his collection of "Ancient Christmas Carols, with the tunes to which they were formerly sung in the West of England;" first published in 1822. The carols in that collection, Mr. Gilbert says, were changed in churches on Christmas day, and in private houses on Christmas eve, throughout the West of England, up to the latter part of the late century (18th). He adds: "Christmas Day, like every other great festival, has prefixed to it in the Calendar a Vigil or Fast; and in Catholic countries Mass is still celebrated at midnight after Christmas Eve, when austerities cease, and rejoicing of all kinds succeed. Shadows of these customs were, till very lately, preserved in the Protestant West of England. The day of Christmas Eve passed in an ordinary manner; but at seven or eight o'clock in the evening cakes were drawn hot from the oven; cyder or beer exhilarated the spirits in every house; and the singing of carols was continued late into the night. On Christmas Day these carols took the place of psalms in all the Churches, especially at afternoon service, the whole congregation joining; and at the end it was usual for the parish clerk to declare, in a loud voice, his wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all the parishioners." Rude thought it be, the simplicity and earnestness of this carol render it very characteristic and pleasing.

William Hone, Ancient Mysteries Described (1823):

Since this sheet was at the printer's, Gilbert Davies, Esq. R.F.S., F.A.S., &c. has published eight 'Ancient Christmas Carols with the tunes to which they were formerly sung in the West of England.' This is a laudable and successful effort to rescue from oblivion some carol melodies, which in a few years will be no more heard. Mr. Davies says, that 'on Christmas-day these carols took the place of psalms in all the churches, especially at afternoon service, the whole congregation joining: and at the end it was usual for the Parish Clerk, to declare in a loud voice, his wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy new year. A sentiment similar to that of the parish clerk's in the West of England, was expressed last year in a way that leaves little doubt of its former general adoption at the same season. Just before Christmas day, I was awakened in London at the dead of night, by the playing of the waits: on the conclusion of their solemn tunes, one of the performers exclaimed aloud, 'God bless you, my masters and mistresses, a merry Christmas to you, and a happy new year.'

A Babe Lies in the Cradle

A Babe Lies in the Cradle

Words and Music: Ein Kindlein in der Wiegen, David Gregor Corner (1585-1648), Geistliche Nachtigal, Vienna, Austria, 1649
Translator Unknown

1. A Babe lies in the cradle,
A little babe so dear,
With noble light He shineth
As shines a mirror clear,
This little babe so dear.

2. The babe within the cradle
Is Jesus Christ our Lord
To us all peace and amity
As this good time afford,
Thou Jesus Christ our Lord!

3. Who so would rock the cradle
Where lies the gentle child,
A lowly heart must lead him,
By passions undefiled,
As Mary pure and mild.

4. O Jesus, babe beloved!
O Jesus, babe divine!
How mighty is Thy wondrous love!
Fill Thou this heart of mine
With that great love of Thine.

=============================================

A Baby in the Cradle

Words and Music: Ein Kindlein in der Wiegen, David Gregor Corner (1585-1648), Geistliche Nachtigal, Vienna, Austria, 1649
Translator: Unknown

1. A baby in the cradle
A baby child so bright;
He shineth as a mirror
Reflects a noble light
This tiny child so bright

2. The child of whom we're speaking
Is Jesus Christ the Lord
He brings us peace and brotherhood
If we but heed His word
Doth Jesus Christ, the Lord

3. And he who rocks the cradle
Of this sweet Child so fine
Must serve with joy and heartiness
Be humble and be kind
For Mary's child so fine

4. O Jesus, dearest Savior
Although Thou art so small
With Thy great love o'erflowing
Come flooding through my soul
Thou lovely Babe so small

A Babe Is Born to Bliss Us Bring

A Babe Is Born, To Bliss Us Bring

Words: English Traditional, Before 1536

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 72-4.

Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis

1. A Babe is born, to bliss us bring.
I heard a maid lullay and sing;
She said: "Dear Son, leave Thy weeping,
Thy Father is the King of bliss."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

2. "Lullay," she said, and sang also,
"Mine own dear Son, why art Thou woe?
Have I not done as I should do?
Thy grievance, tell me what it is."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

3. "Nay, mother, for thee weep I nought,
But for the woe that shall be wrought
To me, ere I mankind have bought.
Was never sorry like it, ywis."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

4. "Peace, dear Son, tell me not so,
Thou art my child, I have no mo;
Should I see men my own son slo¹?
Alas, my dear Son, what meaneth this?"
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

5. "My hands, mother, that ye may see,
Shall be nailed unto a tree;
My feet all so fast shall be;
Men shall weep that shall see this."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

6. "Ah, dear Son! hard is my hap,
To see my child that sucked my pap,
His hands, His feet, that I did wrap,
Be so nailed, that never did amis."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

7. "Ah, dear mother!, yet shall a spear
My heart in sunder all to-tear;
No wonder, if I careful² were,
And weep full sore to think on this."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

8. "Ah, dear Son, shall I see this?
Thou art my child, and I thy mother, ywis,
When Gabriel called me 'full of grace,'
He told me nothing of this."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

9. "Ah, dear mother! through mine hair
To thrust in thorns they will not spare;
Alas, mother! I am full of care,
That ye shall see this heaviness."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

10. "Ah, dear Son, leave thy weeping!
Thou bringest my heart in great mourning;
A careful song now may I sing;
This tidings, hard to me it is."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

11. "Ah! peace, dear mother, I thee pray,
Comfort me all that ye may,
And sing, 'by-by, lullay, lullay,'
To pur away all heaviness."
Now sing we with angelis:
Gloria in excelsis!

Notes:

1. Slay. Return

2. Sorrowful. Return

A Babe Is Born, All Of A Maid

Compare: A Babe Is Born
A babe is born al of a may - Thomas Wright

Words: 15^th Century

Music: Ancient Melody
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Carol 565, Rev. Charles Lewis Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New
(Boston: Parish Choir, 1916)

1. A Babe is born, all of a Maid
To bring salvation unto us:
No more are we to sing afraid,
Veni, Creator Spiritus

2. Bethlehem, That blessed place,
The Child of bliss then born He was;
He aye to serve God give us grace,
O Lux beata Trinitas.

3. There came three kings out of the East,
To worship there that King so free
With gold and myrrh and frankincense,
A solis ortus cardine.

4. The shepherds heard an Angel cry,
O merry song that night sang he,
Why are ye all so sore aghast,
Jam lucis orto sidere?

5. The Angel came down with a cry,
A fair and joyful song sang he,
And in the worship of that Child,
Gloria Tibi Domine.

Sheet Music from Charles L. Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (Boston: Parish Choir, 1916)

Sheet Music from Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old, Third Series (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1878), Carol #48.

William Henry Husk, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868):

This Carol is of the time of Henry VI [1421-1471]. The Latin words with which each verse is terminated are the first lines of hymns used in the church service. This mode of writing was very prevalent amongst the mediæval carolists.

Note that Husk precedes his version with this burden:

Noel el el el, now is well
That ever was woe.

See:

• Veni Creator Spiritus
• O Lux Beata Trinitas
• A Sortis Ortus Cardine

=========================================================

A Babe Is Born

Compare: A Babe Is Born, All Of A Maid
A babe is born al of a may - Thomas Wright

Words: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century

Source: William Henry Husk, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868)

Also found in Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 49-50.

Nowel el el el, now is well
That ever was woe.

1. A babe is born all of a may,¹
In the salvation of us,
To them² we sing both night and day,
Veni, Creator Spiritus.

2. At Bethlehem that blessed place,
The child is bliss born He was,
Him to serve God give us grace,
O Lux Beata Trinitas.

3. There came three kings out of the East,
To worship the King that is so free,
With gold and myrrh and frankincense,
A solis ortus cardine.

4. The herdsmen heard³ an Angel cry,
A merry song then sung he,⁴
Why are ye so sore aghast?
Jam ortus solis cardine.

5. The Angel(s) came down with a cry,
A fair song then sung he,⁵
In the worship of that child,
Jam ortus solis cardine.

Notes:

1. Maid. Return

2. Rickert gives "Him." Return

3. Rickert gives "herdes herden". Return

4. Rickert gives "they" with the note that this refers to the Angels. Return

5. Rickert gives "they." Return

Rickert also gives the following translations:

• Veni, Creator Spiritus is translated as "Come, Creative Spirit"
• O Lux Beata Trinitas is translated as "O blessed light of trinity."
• A solis ortus cardine is translated as "Arisen from the quarter of the sun."
• Iam ortus solis cardine is translated as "Now the star of light having risen."

---

Sheet Music from Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer, The English Carol Book, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd., 1919), Carol #33
Key of E Major: MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Key of C: MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Husk's Note:

This Carol is of the time of Henry VI [1421-1471]. The Latin words with which each verse is terminated are the first lines of hymns used in the church service. This mode of writing was very prevalent amongst the mediæval carolists.

See:

• Veni Creator Spiritus
• O Lux Beata Trinitas
• A Sortis Ortus Cardine
  

========================================================

A babe is born al of a may

Words and Music: Traditional English
(From MS. Sloan 2593, fol. 74, v⁰)

Compare:
A Babe Is Born, All Of A Maid (Version 1)
A Babe Is Born (All of a May - Version 2)

Source: Thomas Wright, Specimens of old Christmas Carols, Selected from Manuscripts and Printed Books (London: The Percy Society, 1841)
Also found in William Sandys, Christmas-tide, Its History, Festivities and Carols, With Their Music (London: John Russell Smith, 1852), p. 226.

This carol requires the installation of the "Junius Modern" font for best display.
See notes in F A Q

Nowel el el el, now is wel that evere was woo.

A babe is born al of a may,
In the savasyoun of us,
To hem we syngyn bothe nyõht and day,
Veni creator spiritus.

At Bedlem that blyssid pas,
The chyld of blysse born he was,
Hymn to serve, go õeve us gras,
O lux beata trinitas.

Ther come thre kynges out of the est,
To worchepoe the kyng that is so fre,
With gold and myrre and francincens,
A solis ortus cardine.

The herdes herdyn an aungele cry,
A merye song then sungyn he,
Qwy arn õe so sore a-gast?
Jam ortus solis cardine.

The aungele comyn doun with on cry,
A fayr song then syngyn he,
In the worchepe of that chyld,
Gloria tibi, Domine.

What Tidings?

Fifteenth Century

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), Page #167

"What tidings bringest thou, messenger,
Of Christës birth this jolly day?"

1. A Babe is born of high nature,
The Prince of peace that ever shall be;
Of heaven and earth He hath the cure, [1]
His lordship is eternity.
Such wondrous tidings you may hear,
That man is made now Godës peer,
Whom sin had made but fiendës prey.

2. A wondrous thing doth now befall,
That King that formëd star and sun,
Heaven and earth and angels all,
Now in mankind is new begun,
Such wondrous tidings you may hear,
An infant of a single year,
That hath been ever and shall be aye.

3. That seemeth strange to us to see,
This bird [2] that hath this Babe yborn,
And Lord conceived of high degree
A maiden is and was beforn.
Such wondrous tidings you may hear,
That maiden and mother are one in fere,
And she a lady of great array.

4. That loveliest gan greet her Child:
"Hail, Son! Hail, Brother! Hail, Father dear!"
"Hail, Daughter!" He saith: "Hail, Sister. Hail,
Mother mild!"
This hailing was on quaint manner.
Such wondrous tidings you may hear,
That hailing was of so good cheer,
That man his pain is turned to play.

Notes:

1. Charge. Return

2. Lady. Return

A Babe is Born in Bethlehem

A Babe Is Born In Bethlehem

Version 2
Compare Version 1

Words: 14th Century Latin hymn, Puer natus in Bethlehem
Translation by Rev. C. P. Krauth

Music: 15th Century
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Carol 463, Rev. Charles Lewis Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New
(Boston: Parish Choir, 1916)

1. A Babe is born in Bethlehem,
Bethlehem,
Therefore rejoice, Jerusalem.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

2. Within a manger He doth lie,
He doth lie,
Whose throne is set above the sky.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

3. Stillness was all the manger round;
Manger round,
The creatures its Creator found.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

4. The wise men came, led by the star,
By the star,
Gold, myrrh, and incense brought from far.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

5. His mother is the Virgin mild,
Virgin mild,
And He is the Father’s only child.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

6. The serpent’s wound He beareth not,
Beareth not,
Yet takes our blood, and shares our lot.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

7. Out human flock He enters in,
Enters in,
But bears no single taint of sin.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

8. To fallen man Himself He bowed,
He bowed,
That he might life us up to God.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

9. On this most blessed Jubilee,
Jubilee,
Al glory be, O God, to Thee.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

10. O Holy Three, we Thee adore,
Thee Adore,
This day, henceforth, for ever more.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Sheet Music from Hutchins

Puer Natus in Bethlehem

Puer Natus in Bethlehem

Melody, 1543
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer

Mixed Setting for Choir from Bruno Antonio Buike, Neuss/Germany
(opens in a new window at Bruno's site)

1. Puer natus in Bethlehem, Alleluia.
Unde gaudet Jerusalem. Alleluia.

2. Hic jacet in præsepio, Alleluia.
Qui regnat sine termino. Alleluia.

3. Cognovit bos et asinus, Alleluia.
Quod puer erat Dominus. Alleluia.

4. Reges de Sabâ veniunt, Alleluia.
Aurum, thus, myrrhum offerunt. Alleluia.

5. Intrantes domum invicem, Alleluia.
Novum salutant principem. Alleluia.

6. De matre natus virgine, Alleluia.
Sine virili femine; Alleluia.

7. Sine serpentis vulnere, Alleluia.
De nostro venit sanguine; Alleluia.

8. In carne nobis similis, Alleluia.
Peccato sed dissimilis; Alleluia.

9. Ut redderet nos homines, Alleluia.
Deo et sibi similes. Alleluia.

10. In hoc natali gaudio, Alleluia.
Benedicamus Domino: Alleluia.

11. Laudetur sancta Trinitas, Alleluia.
Deo dicamus gratias. Alleluia

All This Time This Song Is Best

All This Time This Song Is Best:
Verbum caro factum est

Words and Music: English Traditional, Before 1536

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 43-44

1. This night there is a Child (y)born,
That sprang out of Jesse's thorn;
We must sing and say thereforn:
Verbum caro factum est.

2. Jesus is the Childes name
And Mary mild is His dame,
All our sorrow is turned to game:¹
Verbum caro factum est.

3. It fell upon (the) high midnight,
The stars (they) shone both fair and bright,
The angels sang with all their might:
Verbum caro factum est.

4. Now kneel we down (up)on our knee,
And pray we to the Trinity,
Our help, our succor for to be.
Verbum caro factum est.

Note:

1. Joy. Return

Ed. Note:

Verbum caro factum est = The Word is made flesh.

Sun Of Righteousness

Sun Of Righteousness

From A Handfull of Celestiall Flowers, manuscrib'd by R. Cr. (Ralph Crane), 1632

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 200-201.

1. All this night shrill chanticleer,
Day's proclaiming trumpeter,
Claps his wings and loudly cries,
"Mortals, mortals, wake and rise!
See a wonder
Heaven is under,
From the earth is risen a Sun
Shrines all night though day be done.

2. Wake, O earth, wake everything,
Wake and hear the joy I bring,
Wake and joy; for all this night
Heaven and every twinkling light,
All amazing,
Still stand gazing,
Angels, powers and all that be,
Wake and joy this Sun to see.

3. Hail, O Sun, O blessed Light,
Sent into the world by night,
Let thy rays and heavenly powers
Shine in this dark soul of ours;
For most duly
Thou art truly
God and man we do confess.
Hail, O Sun of Righteousness!"

All The Merrier Is That Place

All The Merrier Is That Place,
The Sun of grace Him Shineth In

Words and Music: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 209.

The sun of grace Him shineth¹ in,
On a day when it was morrow,
When our Lord God born was,
Without sin or sorrow.

The sun of grace Him shineth in,
On a day when it was prime,
When our Lord God born was;
So well He knew His time.

The sun of grace Him shineth in,
On a day when it was noon,
When our Lord God born was,
And on the Rood (y)done.

The sun of grace Him shineth in,
On a day when it was undern
When our Lord God born was,
And to the heart (y)stungen.²

Notes from Rickert:

1. Text: schynit. She also notes: "Him seems to refer to Christ, although this interpretation is not without difficulties. The verb is schynit, which should be properly shineth; but the other verbs are all in the past tense." Return

2. Pierced. Return

Rickert adds this note:

"The symbolism of the 'sun of grace' is carried through the chief divisions of the day — prime, noon and undern."

Ed. Note: The reference to "chief divisions of the day" may refer to the custom of reciting prayers at certain hours of the day or night. Prime is an early morning prayer (during the first hour of daylight) ; noon (properly none) are prayers made at the ninth hour (e.g., 3 p.m.), and undern is a morning prayer (at the third hour, e.g., 9 a.m.; also known as terce). The prayer made at the sixth hour (noon) was referred to as sext. The prayer made as evening approaches is vespers. The nightfall prayer was compline. For more information, see: Liturgy of the Hours.

All That 'Lieve1 In Christmas Lay

All That 'Lieve¹ In Christmas Lay
Worship Every Christmas Day

Words and Music: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 164-5.

1. A man² was the first guilt,
And therefore he was spilt;³
The prophecy was never (fulfilled),⁴
Till on the Christmas day.

2. The first day that lily sprung,
Jesus Christ be us among,
Ever we thought it was too long,
Till on the Christmas day.

3. It was dark, it was dim,
For men that lived in great sin,
Lucifer was us all within,
Till on the Christmas day.

4. There was weeping, there was woe,
For every man to hell gan go.
There was little merry so,⁵
Till on the Christmas day.

Notes from Rickert:

1. Believe. Return

2. O' man, i.e., Of man, Return

3. Destroyed. Return

4. Text repeats split. Return

5. Text: tho=then. Return

Salvator mundi, Domine

Salvator mundi, Domine

Alternate Title:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Deo Patri sit gloria

Words and Music: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century

Compare: Salvator mundi, Domine - Edith Rickert (Version 1)
Salvator mundi Domine - Thomas Wright

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 178.

1. Salvator mundi, Domine,
Father of heaven, blessed Thou be,
Thou greetest a maid with an ave,
Que vocatur Maria.

2. Adesto nunc propicius,
Thou sendest Thy Son, sweet Jesus,
Man to become for love us us,
Deo Patri sit gloria.

3. Ne mentem sompnus opprimat,
Betwist an ox and an ass
Christ Himself born He was
De virgine Maria.

4. Te, Reformator sensuum,
Both little and mickle, and all and some,
Welcome the time that now is come,
Deo Patri sit gloria.

5. Gloria Tibi, Domine,
Three Persons in Trinity,
Blessed may They alle be,
Deo Patri sit gloria.

===============================================

Salvator mundi, Domine

Alternate Title:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Deo Patri sit gloria

Words and Music: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century

Compare: Salvator mundi, Domine - Edith Rickert (Version 1)
Salvator mundi Domine - Thomas Wright

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 178.

1. Salvator mundi, Domine,
Father of heaven, blessed Thou be,
Thou greetest a maid with an ave,
Que vocatur Maria.

2. Adesto nunc propicius,
Thou sendest Thy Son, sweet Jesus,
Man to become for love us us,
Deo Patri sit gloria.

3. Ne mentem sompnus opprimat,
Betwist an ox and an ass
Christ Himself born He was
De virgine Maria.

4. Te, Reformator sensuum,
Both little and mickle, and all and some,
Welcome the time that now is come,
Deo Patri sit gloria.

5. Gloria Tibi, Domine,
Three Persons in Trinity,
Blessed may They alle be,
Deo Patri sit gloria.

Now May We Mirthes Make

Now May We Mirthes Make

Alternate Title: Alleluia, alleluia

Words and Music: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 177

1. Now may we mirthes make,
For us Jesus manhood hath take,¹
De virgine Maria,
Only for our sins' sake,
Alleluia.

2. The King of kings now for this brought,
Of a maid that sinned nought,
Res miranda,
Neither in deed, neither in thought,
Alleluia.

3. The angel of counsel that day was born,
As prophecies said beforn,
Sol de stella,
For to safe that² was forlorn,³
Alleluia.

Notes from Rickert:

1. Taken. Return

2. What. Return

3. Lost. Return

There Is A Blossom Sprung Of A Thorn

There Is A Blossom Sprung Of A Thorn

Alternate Title: Alleluia! Alleluia!

Words and Music: English Traditional, Before 1536

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 117-8.

1. There is a Blossom sprung of a thorn,
To save mankind that was forlorn,
As the prophets said beforn,
Deo Patri sit gloria!

2. There sprang a well at Mary's foot,
That turned all this world to boot;¹
Of her took Jesus flesh and blood,
Deo Patri sit gloria!

3. From that well there stretched a stream,
Out of Egypt into Bethlehem;
God through His highness turned it again,
Deo Patri sit gloria!

4. There were three kings of diverse lands,
They thought a thought that was strong,
Him to seek and thank among.
Deo Patri sit gloria!

5. They came richly with their presents,
With gold, myrrh and frankincense,
As clerkes read in their sequence,
Deo Patri sit gloria!

6. The eldest king of them three,
He went foremost for he would see
What doomsman² that this should be,
Deo Patri sit gloria!

7. The middlemost king up he rose,
He saw a Babe in armes close;
In middle age he thought He was.³
Deo Patri sit gloria!

8. The youngest king up he stood,
Hew made his offering rich and good,
To Jesus Christmas that shed His blood.
Deo Patri sit gloria!

9. There shone a star out of heaven bright,
That men of earth should deem aright
That this was Jesu full of might.
Deo Patri sit gloria!

Notes from Rickert:

1. Help. Return

2. Judge. Return

3. He had expected to find Him. Return

Christmas - The Temple

Christmas

Alternate Title: The Temple

Words: George Herbert,1593-1638

Music: Unknown

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 275.

1. All after pleasures as I rode one day,
My horse and I both tired, body and mind,
With full cry of affections quite astray,
I took up in the next inn I could find.

2. There, when I come, whom found I but my dear--
My dearest Lord; expecting till the grief
Of pleasures brought me to Him, ready there
To be all passengers' most sweet relief?

3. O Thou, whose glorious yet contracted light
Wrapt in night's mantle, stole into a manger;
Since my dark soul and brutish is Thy right,
To man, of all beasts be not Thou a stranger;

4. Furnish and deck my soul, that Thou mayst have
A better lodging than a rack or grave.
The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?
My God, no hymn for Thee?
My soul's a shepherd too; a flock it feeds
Of thoughts and words and deeds.
The pasture is Thy word, the streams Thy grace,
Enriching every place.

5. Shepherd and flock shall sing, and all my powers
Outsing the daylight hours.
Then we will chide the sun for letting night
Take up his place and right:
We sing one common Lord; wherefore He should
Himself the candle hold.

6. I will go searching till I find a sun
Shall stay till we have done;
A willing shiner, that shall shine as gladly
As frost-nipt suns look sadly.
Then we will sing and shine all our own day,
And one another pay.

His beams shall cheer my heart, and both so twine,
Till e'en his beams sing and my music shine.

Also found in A. H. Bullen, A Christmas Garland (London: John C. Nimmo, 1885), pp. 113-4. Bullen also notes at page 261: "These lines are very characteristic of the polished high-born scholar, who, after strenuous attempts to gain preferment at court, abandoned at length the fruitless quest and found content in the retirement of a country vicarage. Herbert is a soothing writer; his Muse took an equable steady flight, never soaring into the “highest heaven of invention,” but yet keeping at a respectable distance from the ground. He numbers at least ten readers for Vaughan’s one, — a fact which is not at all surprising."

A Child this Day is Born

William Sandys	John Stainer	Rev. Hutchins
First stanza
1. A Child this day is born, A Child of high renown. Most worthy of a scepter, A scepter and a crown. Refrain Novels, Novels, Novels, Novels sing all we may, Because the King of all kings Was born this blessed day. 2. The which the holy Prophets Spake of long time before, That from the fall of Adam He should us all restore. Refrain 3. This Child both God and Man From Heaven down to us came, He is the King of all Kings, And Jesus is His Name. Refrain 4. These tidings Shepherds heard In field watching their fold, Was by an Angel unto them That night reveal'd and told. Refrain 5. Who standing near by them To them shined so bright, That they amazed were At that most glorious sight. Refrain 6. To whom the Angel spoke, Saying, Be not afraid, Be glad, poor silly shepherds; Why are you so dismayed; Refrain 7. For lo, I bring you tidings Of gladness and of mirth, Which cometh to all people by This holy Infant’s birth. Refrain 8. Him hath God lifted up As light and shepherd’s horn, Which in the city of David This present time was born. Refrain 9. The only Son of God was he The Lord and God most Highest; And he is the true Shepherd, The young child Jesus Christ. Refrain 10. Then there was with the Angel A Host incontinent Of heavenly bright soldiers, Which from the Highest was sent. Refrain 11. Lauding the Lord our God, And his Celestial King; All Glory be in Paradise, This heavenly Host did sing. Refrain 12. Glory be unto our God, That sitteth still on high, With praises and with triumph great, And joyful melody. Refrain 13. But when this holy Army Of heavenly soldiers bright Was unto God returned And vanish'd out of sight; Refrain 14. The Shepherds hearts joyful At this great glorious news That the King of all Kings Was risen amongst the Jews. Refrain 15. Without the least of hindrance Anon they went in then, And found the young child Jesus Christ Thus born in Bethlehem. Refrain 16. And as the Angel told them, So to them did appear; They found the young child Jesus Christ With Mary his Mother dear. Refrain 17. Now such a place it was Where this was come to pass For want of room this Child was laid Betwixt an ox and ass. Refrain 18. Not sumptuously, but simply Was this young King arrayed, A manger was the cradle Where this young Child was laid. Refrain 19. No pride at all was found In this most holy Child, But He being void of all sin The Lamb of God most mild. Refrain 20. His body unto bitter pains He gave to set us free: He is our Saviour Jesus Christ And none but only He. Refrain 21. To Father, Son and Holy Ghost All glory be therefore, To whom be all dominion Both now and evermore. Refrain Sheet Music from Sandys, 1833 Sheet Music from Sandys, 1852 Sheet Music from Richard R. Terry, Gilbert and Sandys' Christmas Carols (London: Burns, Oates & Washbourne, Ltd., 1931) SATB: MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF Thomas Wright, Specimens of old Christmas Carols, Selected from Manuscripts and Printed Books (London: The Percy Society, 1841) Wright, quoting Sandys, omits verses 8 and 17. Verse 2 is moved to the 12th verse position.	1. A child this day is born A child of high renown Most worthy of a sceptre A sceptre and a crown Chorus: Glad tidings to all men Glad tidings sing we may, Because the King of all kings Was born on Christmas-Day. 2. These tidings shepherds heard Whilst watching o'er their fold; 'Twas by an Angel unto them That night revealed and told. Chorus 3. Then was there with the Angel An host incontinent [1] Of heavenly bright soldiers, All from the highest sent. Chorus 4. They praised the Lord our God, And our celestial King; All glory be in Paradise, This heavenly host do sing. Chorus 5. All glory be to God, That sitteth still on high, With praises and with triumph great, And joyful melody. Chorus 1. Immediately Return Sheet Music from Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1871)	1. A Child this day is born, A Child of high renown; Most worthy of a sceptre, A sceptre and a crown. Chorus [1] Glad tidings to all men, Glad tidings sing we may, Because the King of Kings, Was born on Christmas Day 2. These tidings shepherds heard While watching o’er their fold; Twas by an Angel unto them That night revealed and told. Chorus 3. To whom the Angel spoke, Saying, "Be not afraid;" Be glad, poor silly shepherds -- Why are you so dismayed? Chorus 4. "For lo! I bring you tidings Of gladness and of mirth, Which cometh to all people by This holy Infant's birth" Chorus 5. Then was there with the Angel An host incontinent [2] Of heavenly bright soldiers, All from the highest sent. Chorus 6. They praised the Lord our God, And our celestial King: All glory be in Paradise, This heavenly host do sing. Chorus 7. And as the Angel told them, So to them did appear; They found the young Child, Jesus Christ With Mary, his mother dear: Chorus 8. All glory be to God, That sitteth still on high with praises and with triumph great, And joyful melody. Chorus Notes: 1. Alternate chorus from Shaw and Dearmer: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, sing all we may Because the King of kings Was born this blessed day. Return 2. Instantly or immediately. Return Additional verses 3, 4, and 7 from Shaw and Dearmer Sheet Music from Hutchins Sheet Music: Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer, The English Carol Book, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd., 1913), Carol #1