Words and Music: English Traditional

Source: J. A. Fuller Maitland, English Carols of the Fifteenth Century. London: The Leadenhall Press, E.C., ca. 1891, #7.

Deo gratias Anglia
Redde pro victoria.¹

1. Our king went forth to Normandy
With grace and might of chivalry,
There God for him wrought marvellously,
Wherefore England may call and cry
    Deo Gratias etc.

2. He set a siege, for sooth to say,
To Harfleur town with royal array,
That town he won and made a fray
That France shall rue till doomesday.
    Deo Gratias etc.

3. Then went him forth our king comely,
In Agincourt field he fought manly,
Through grace of God most marvellously
He had the field and victory.
    Deo Gratias etc.

4. There many a Lord, Earl, and Baron
Were slain and taken and that full soon
And some were brought into London
With joy and bliss and great renown.
    Deo Gratias etc.

5. Almighty God, O keep our king,
His people and all those well willing,
And give them grace without ending;
Then may we call and safely sing
    Deo Gratias etc.

Sheet Music

Carol in Original Form From a 15th Century Manuscript

Carol in Modern Form

Note from Fuller Maitland:

1. England give thanks to God for the victory. See Appendix. Return

Editor's Note: See Agincourt Song (from William Chappell, The Ballad Literature and Popular Music of the Olden Time. London: Chappell & Co., 1859.)