A Yeoman's Carol

Words: Traditional (Dorsetshire)

Tune from an old Gallery Book
Communicated by Rev. L. J. T. Darwall
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Source: Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer, The English Carol Book, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd., 1913), Carol #54.

1. Let Christians all with joyful mirth,
Both young and old, both great and small,
Now think upon our Saviour's birth,
Who brought salvation to us all:

Refrain
This day did Christ man's soul
from death remove,
With glorious saints to dwell in
heaven above.

2. No palace, but an ox's stall,
The place of his nativity;
This truly should instruct us all
To learn of him humility. Refrain

3. Then Joseph and the Virgin came
Unto the town of Bethlehem,
But sought in vain within the same
For lodging to be granted them: Refrain

4. A stable harboured them, where they
Continued till this blessed morn.
Let us rejoice and keep the day,
Wherein the Lord of life was born: Refrain

5. He that descends from above,
Who for your sins has meekly died,
Make him the pattern of your love;
So will your joys be sanctified. Refrain

Sheet Music from Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer, The English Carol Book, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd., 1913), Carol #54

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