I Know, O Blessed Mary

For Christmas

Words: Ja sais, vierge Marie from Dictionnaire de Noëls.

English Translation by K. W. Simpson.

Music: French Noel from Dictionnaire de Noëls.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #53, pp. 28-29.

1. I know, O Blessed Mary,
     All I would bring,
     To honor our Messiah,
     The Heavenly King!
The Son of God is He, and of none other.
     That chose Thee for His Mother
     Throughout Life's journeying.

2. I see in Thee, O Princess!
     Such Charity–
     Such tenderness of loving
     In Thee I see
That freely I do seek today a blessing.
     Humility confessing
     Thy grace may grant to me.

3. O perfect Maid, and Saintly!
     Wilt Thou not say;–
     What Prophet did acquaint Thee
     (That happy day),
With all the joyous mystery and Holy: –
     That, in a Manger lowly,
     Thy Son His head should lay?

4. In Galilee befell me
     (In Naz'reth town),
     An Angel came to tell me,
     (From Heav'n sent down),
God sent His Angel Gabriel to tell me;
     And all that since befell me
     His Messenger made known!

5. He said: ”O Mary! Maiden!
     Believe my voice
     For thee the Lord half bidden–
     Thou art His choice!
The Lord thy God hath knowledge of thee wholly!
     Fear not, O Maiden lowly–
     He knows thy heart; – rejoice!”

6. “The happiness that rent me
     My Hart did swell!
     “From Paradise He sent thee,
     O Gabriel!
For He that sent thee knowth I His servant
     (Humble, obedient fervent)
     Live but to do His will!”

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #53, pp. 28-29.

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