A Little Child There Is Yborn

Also: Gloria Tibi, Domine

For Christmas

Words: Traditional English, Before 1536

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 42-3.

Compare: Gloria Tibi Domine (A litel childe there is ibore)
A Little Child There Is Yborn
This Night To Us A Child Is Born (Weston)
Contrast: A Little Child There Is Ybore (translation from German)

Gloria Tibi, Domine,
Qui natus es de virgine!

1. A little child there is yborn,
Out of Jesse's stock ycorn,¹
To save all us that were forlorn.
    Gloria Tibi, Domine,
    Qui natus es de virgine!

2. Jesus that is so full of might
Yborn He was about midnight;
The angels sang with all their might:
    Gloria Tibi, Domine,
    Qui natus es de virgine!

3. Jesus is that Childës name,
Maid and mother is His dame,
And so our sorrow is turned to game.²
    Gloria Tibi, Domine,
    Qui natus es de virgine!

4. Three kings there came with their presents,
Of myrrh and gold and frankincense,
As clerkës sing in their sequence.
    Gloria Tibi, Domine,
    Qui natus es de virgine!

5. Now sit we down upon our knee,
And pray that Child that is so free;
And with good heartë now sing we:
    Gloria Tibi, Domine,
    Qui natus es de virgine!

Notes:

1. Chosen. The original reads: Yspronge out of Jesses more (stock). Return

2. Joy. Return

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