Here Comes Holly

Alternate Title: Alleluia Now Sing We

Words and Music: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century

Source: William Henry Husk, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868)

Compare: Her Commys Holly, That Is So Gent
See Notes Under The Holly And The Ivy.

Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, now sing we.

1. Here comes Holly that is so gent,¹
To please all men is his intent.
                        Alleluia.

2. But Lord and Lady of this hall,
Whosoever against Holly call.
                        Alleluia.

3. Whosoever against Holly do cry,
In a lepe² he shall hang full high.
                        Alleluia.

4. Whosoever against Holly do sing,
He may weep and hands wring.
                        Alleluia.

Husk's Notes:

1. Gallant, pretty. Return

2. A large basket. Return

He also notes "From a manuscript of the fifteenth century."

Also found in Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 262-3.

Also found in Henry Vizetelly, Christmas With The Poets (London: David Bogue, 1851). Vizetelly's footnotes are identical with those of Husk.