A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell, Hath brought forth a Baby, as it hath befell, To be our Redeemer from death, hell and Sin, Which Adam's transgression hath wrapped us in. Rejoice and be merry, set sorrow aside, Christ Jesus, our Saviour, was born on this tide. In Bethlehem, a city in Jewry it was-- Where Joseph and Mary together did pass, And there to be taxed, with many ane mo, For Caesar commanded the same should be so. Rejoice, etc. But when they had entered the city so fair, A 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, etc. 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, etc. 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, etc. 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, etc. Three certain Wise Princes they thought it most meet To lay their rich offerings at our Saviour's feet; So then they consented, and to Bethlehem did go, And when they came thither they found it was so. Rejoice, etc. But all Christmas carols were not religious--many of them were of the most festive description; but here is one, temp. Henry VIII., which is a mixture of both:-- Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Who is there, that singeth so, Noel, Noel, Noel? I am here, Sir Christhismass, Welcome, my lord Christhismass, Welcome to all, both more and less. Come near, Noel. _Dieu vous garde, beau Sire_, tidings I you bring, A maid hath born a Child full young, The which causeth for to sing, Noel. Christ is now born of a pure maid, In an ox stall He is laid, Wherefore sing we all at a braid,[80] Noel. _Buvez bien par toute la compagnie_, Make good cheer, and be right merry, And sing with us, now, joyfully, Noel. [Footnote 80: Suddenly.] Of the purely festive carols here is an example of the fifteenth century, from Mr. Wright's MS.:-- At the begynnyng of the mete Of a borejs hed 3e schal hete; And in the mustard 3e xal wete; And 3e xal syngyn, or 3e gon. Wolcom be 3e that ben here, And 3e xal have ryth gud chere, And also a ryth gud face; And 3e xal syngyn, or 3e gon.