For Christmas
Words: In hoc anni circulo, of the XIV Cent. Carol, translated by Dr. John Mason Neale. Melody from the Jistebnicz Kantional, circa 1420, taken from G. M. Dreves' Cantiones Bohemicae, and harmonized by Rev. G. R. Woodward.
Notes and Sources: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #13
Compare: In The Ending Of The Year - Version 2, George Radcliffe Woodward, ed., Songs of Syon (London: Schott & Co., Third Edition, 1908), # 26
1. In the ending of the year
Life and light to man appear;
And the Holy Babe is here,
De Virgine;
And the Holy Babe is here,
De Virgine Maria.
2. What in ancient days was slain
This day calls to life again;
God is coming, God shall reign,
De Virgine;
God is coming, God shall reign,
De Virgine Maria.
3. From the desert grew the corn,
Sprang the lily from the thorn,
When the Infant King was born
De Virgine;
When the Infant King was born
De Virgine Maria.
4. On the straw He lays His head,
Hath a manger for His bed,
Thirsts and hungers and is fed
De Virgine;
Thirsts and hungers and is fed
De Virgine Maria.
5. Angel-hosts His praises sing,
Three wise men their off'rings bring,
Ox and ass adore the King,
Cum Virgine;
Ox and ass adore the King,
Cum Virgine Maria.
6. Wherefore let us all today
Banish sorrow far away,
Singing and exulting aye,
Cum Virgine;
Singing and exulting aye,
Cum Virgine Maria.
Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #13
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML
