T
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.

N
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.

T
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.

W
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.

S
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.

H
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.”

G
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.

D
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.

T
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.

Q
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.”

L
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
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
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.