The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

The Ferste Joye As I Zu Telle

Joyis Five

Source: William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (London: Richard Beckley, 1833)

 

This carol requires the installation of the "Junius Modern" font for best display.
See notes in F A Q

        I may synge of a may of joyis fyve and inþis most.

þe ferste joye as i zu telle
wt mary met seynt Gab'elle
heyl mary i grete þe welle,
            wt fadr and sone and holy gost.

þe secnde joye b in good fay
was on crystemesse day,
born he was of a may,
            wt fadr and sone and holy gost.

þe þredde joye, wtoutÿ stryf,
þt blyssful berþe was ful ryf,
qn he ros fro ded to lyf,
            wt fadr and sone and holy gost.

þe forte joye wt out in good fay,
was upon halewÿ þursda,
he stey to hevene in ryche aray,
            wt fadr and sone and holy gost.

þe fyfte joye wt outÿ dene,
in hevene he crownyd his modr clene,
þt was wol wil þe eyr a sene,
            wt fadr and sone and holy gost.

Sandys' Note:

From Sloane MS. 2593. -- A great similarity may be observed between this and a modern carol entitled "Joys Seven," at the end of the Second Part. (p. 157)

Compare