‘After that there came King Herod, With his train so furiously, Inquiring of the husbandman, Whether Jesus passèd by. XXV ‘Why, the truth it must be spoke, And the truth it must be known, For Jesus passèd by this way When my seed was sown. XXVI ‘But now I have it reapen, And some laid on my wain, Ready to fetch and carry Into my barn again. XXVII ‘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. XXVIII ‘So Herod was deceivèd By the work of God’s own hand, And further he proceeded Into the Holy Land. XXIX ‘There’s thousands of children young, Which for his sake did die,-- Do not forbid those little ones, And do not them deny. XXX ‘The truth now I have spoken, And the truth now I have shown Even the blessed Virgin, She’s now brought forth a Son.’ FOOTNOTES: [614] Carnal = crow. [615] reign = run. [616] fences = times. _103. Jolly Wat_ _Can I not sing but ‘Hoy’, Whan the joly shepard made so much joy?_ I The shepard upon a hill he sat; He had on him his tabard[617] and his hat, His tarbox, his pipe, and his flagat[618]; His name was callèd Joly Joly Wat, For he was a gud herdés boy. Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. II The shepard upon a hill was laid; His dog unto his girdell was taid[619]; He had not slept but a litill braid[620], But ‘_Gloria in excelsis_’ was to him said. Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. III The shepard on a hill he stode; Round about him his shepe they yode[621]; He put his hond under his hode[622], He saw a star as rede as blode. Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. IV The shepard said anon right, ‘I will go see yon ferly[623] sight, Whereas the angel singeth on hight, And the star that shineth so bright.’ Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. V ‘Now farewell, Mall, and also Will! For my love go ye all still Unto I cum again you till, And evermore, Will, ring well thy bell.’ Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. VI ‘Now must I go there Crist was born; Farewell! I cum again to-morn. Dog, kepe well my shepe fro the corn, And warn well “Warroke” when I blow my horn!’ Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. VII Whan Wat to Bedlem cumen was, He swet, he had gone faster than a pace; He found Jesu in a simpell place, Betwen an ox but and an asse. Ut hoy! For in his pipe he made so much joy. VIII