Words: English Traditional, Before 1536

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 188.

Sing we all, for time it is:
Mary hath borne the Fleur-de-lys.

1. For His love that bought us all dear,
Listen, lordings, that be here,
And I well tell you in-fere,¹
    Whereof came the Fleur-de-lys.
        Sing we all, for time it is:
        Mary hath borne the Fleur-de-lys.

2. On Christmas night, when it was cold,
Our Lady lay among beastës bold,
And there she bare Jesu, Joseph told,
    And thereof came the Fleur-de-lys.
        Sing we all, for time it is:
        Mary hath borne the Fleur-de-lys.

3. Of that beareth witness Saint John,
That it was of much renown;
Baptized he was in stream Jordan,
    And thereof came the Fleur-de-lys.
        Sing we all, for time it is:
        Mary hath borne the Fleur-de-lys.

4. On Good Friday that Child was slain,
Beaten with scourges and all to-flayn;2
That day he suffered mickle pain;
    And thereof came the Fleur-de-lys.
        Sing we all, for time it is:
        Mary hath borne the Fleur-de-lys.

Notes:

1. Together. Return

2. Flayed. Return