In Betheleem that noble place

James Ryman, 1492

Middle English; retyped in Old Blackletter

Be we mery in this feste
In quo saluator natus est

In Betheleem that noble place
As by prophesy sayd it was
Of the vyrgyn mary full of grace
    Saluator mundi natus est
        Be we mery. etc.

On chrystmas nyght an angel it tolde
To the shephardes kepying theyr folde
That into Betheleem with bestes wolde
    Saluator mundi natus est
        Be we mery. etc.

The shephardes were conpassed ryght
About them was great lyght
Drede ye nought sayd the aungell bryght
    Saluator mundi natus est
        Be we mery. etc.

Beholde to you we brynge great ioy
For why Jesus is borne this day
To vs of mary that mylde may
    Saluator mundi natus est
        Be mery. etc.

And thus in fayth fynde it ye shall
Lyenge porely in an oxe stall
The shephardes than lauded god all
    Quia saluator mundi natus est.
        Be mery. etc.

                                        Finis.

James Ryman was a Franciscan friar of Canterbury, who created a manuscript containing 119 carols and 166 lyrics -- most of which related to Christmas. Ryman was ordained as an acolyte in 1476. The manuscript is dated 1492 and is preserved in the Cambridge University Library.