A virgin most pure, as the Prophet foretold, Should bring forth a Saviour, which now we behold. To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin, Which Adam’s transgression had wrappèd us in. Rejoice and be merry, cast sorrow aside, Christ Jesus, our Saviour, was born on this tide. 2. In Bethlehem city, in Jury it was When Joseph and Mary together did pass All for to be taxed with many one more, For Cæsar commanded the same should be so. Rejoice and be merry, etc. 3. But when they had entered the city so far, 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 and be merry, etc. 4. 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 and be merry, set sorrow aside, Christ Jesus, our Saviour, was born on this tide. 5. 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 and be merry, etc. 6. Then God sent an angel from Heaven so high To certain poor shepherds in fields as they lie, And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay Because that our Saviour was born on this day. Rejoice and be merry, etc. 7. 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 and be merry, etc. 8. 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 and be merry, etc. [Illustration] [Music: A Virgin Most Pure] [Illustration] The Wassail Song [Illustration] [Music: PART I.] 1. Here we come a-wassailing Among the leaves so green; Here we come a-wand’ring, So plainly to be seen. CHORUS Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too! And God bless you, and send you a happy New Year, And God send you a happy New Year! 2. Our wassail cup is made Of the rosemary tree, And so is your beer Of the best barley. Love and joy, etc. 3. We are not daily beggars That beg from door to door, But we are neighbours’ children Whom you have seen before. Love and joy, etc. 4. Good master and good mistress, As you sit by the fire Pray think of us poor children A-wandering in the mire. Love and joy, etc. [Illustration] The Wassail Song [Illustration]