Words from Heer Jesus heeft een Hofken,
Traditional Dutch from Geestlijcke Harmonie, Emmerich, 1633
Translation by Rev. George R. Woodward (1848-1934)
Source: George Radcliffe Woodward, ed., Songs of Syon (London: Schott & Co., Third Edition, 1908), # 430
1. King Jesus hath a garden, full of divers flowers,
Where I go culling posies gay, all times and hours.
Refrain:
There naught is heard but Paradise bird,
Harp, dulcimer, lute,
With cymbal, trump and tymbal,
And the tender, soothing flute.
2. The Lily, white in blossom there, is Chastity:
The Violet, with sweet perfume, Humanity. Refrain
3. The bonny Damask-rose is known as Patience:
The blithe and thrifty Marygold, Obedience. Refrain
4. The Crown Imperial bloometh too in yonder place,
'Tis Charity, of stock divine, the flower of grace. Refrain
5. Yet, 'mid the brave, the bravest prize of all may claim
The Star of Bethlem-Jesus-bless'd be his Name! Refrain
6. Ah! Jesu Lord, my heal and weal, my bliss complete,
Make thou my heart thy garden-plot, fair, trim and neat. Refrain
Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, The Cowley Carol Book, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd., ca. 1919), Carol #67
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Arrangements include:
Herman Roelstraete
Charles Wood
Arrangements published by:
A. R. Mowbray & Co
Oxford University Press
The Woodward translation King Jesus Hath A Garden (Wood arrangement) is also found on pp. 68-69 of Carols for Choirs 1: 50 Christmas Carols (London, Oxford University Press).
It is also found in David Willcocks & John Rutter, eds., 100 Carols for Choirs (London: Oxford University Press, 1987), carol #48, with the credit "Reprinted from The Cowley Carol Book by permission."
