In Bethlehem City
For Christmas
From a Broadside "Three
new Christmas carols,"
Johnson Ballads 1365,
London, ca. 1770.
No Printer Name, Aldermary Church Yard
The three carols are:
Carol I. Rejoice and be merry, set sorrow aside
Carol II. A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell
Carol III. Christmas now is drawing near at Hand
See: In Bethlehem City - Notes
CAROL I.
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrow aside,
Jesus Christ our Saviour was born on this tide,
In Bethlehem city in Jewry it was,
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass.
CHORUS.
And therefore be merry, set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
And there to be taxed, with many one more,
And Cæsar commanded the same should be so.
And therefore, &c.
And when they enter'd the city so fair,
People from all parts to be taxed were there.
And therefore, &c.
Then Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
Could not in the inn have any lodging at all.
And therefore, &c.
Unless in the stable they would abide,
They might have no other at that same tide.
And therefore, &c.
Their lodging so simple they took in no scorn,
And before the next morning our Saviour was
And therefore, &c.
When Mary had swaddled her young son so sweet,
Even in an ox's manger she laid him to sleep.
And therefore, &c.
Then God sent an angel from heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds which in the fields did lie,
And therefore, &c.
And bid them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that their Saviour was born on that day.
And therefore, &c.
And presently after the shepherds did spy
A number of angels appear in the Sky.
And therefore, &c.
Now certain wise Princes thought it not unmeet,
To lay their rich offerings at our Saviour's feet.
And therefore, &c.
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