Words by Dr. [John Mason] Neale. First Tune: Melody of Omnis mundus iucundetur, of XIV Cent. Harmonized by the Rev. G. R. Woodward. Second Tune: Another setting by M. Praetorius (Mus. Syon.), A. D. 1607
Notes and Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #28
Earthly friends will change and falter,
Earthly hearts will vary;
He is born, that cannot alter,
Of the Virgin Mary.
Born to-day, Raise the lay:
Born to-day, Twine the bay:
Jesus Christ is born to suffer,
Born for you: Born for you --
Holly strew.
Jesus Christ was born to conquer,
Born to save:
Born to save--
Laurel wave:
Jesus Christ was born to govern,
Born a King: Born a King --
Bay-wreaths bring:
Jesus Christ was born of Mary,
Born for all! Well befall
Hearth and hall!
Jesus Christ was born at Christmas,
Born for all.
Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #28
First Tune
Second Tune
Sheet Music from Rev. J. Freeman Young, ed., Carols For Christmas Tide (New York: Daniel Dana, Jr., 1859), #5
