Version 2

Compare: Jesu, Fili virginis - Version 1

Words: Temp. Henry VII or VIII

See Notes under Blessed may Thou be, sweet Jesus

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 181-2

1. Jesus, of a maid Thou wouldst be born,
To save mankind that was forlorn,
    And all for our sins,
        Miserere nobis.

2. Angels there were, mild and mood,
Sang to that sweet fode¹
    With joy and bliss.
        Miserere nobis.

3. In a cratch² was that Child laid,
Both ox and ass with Him played,
    With joy and bliss,
        Miserere nobis.

4. Then for us He shed His blood,
And all He died on the Rood,
    And for us ywis.
        Miserere nobis.

5. And then to hell He took the way,
To ransom them that there(in) lay,
    With joy and bliss.
        Miserere nobis.

Note from Rickert:

1. Child. Return

2. Crib. Return