Let The Song Be Begun

Words: Personet Hodie from Piae Cantiones, 1582
Translated by John Mason Neale, 1854,
Carol 157 from Rev. Charles Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (1916)
The words are slightly changed to fit the setting of Carol 207 (verse 4 is omitted),
and Carol 251 and Carol 405

Music: "E. S. Medley" (Carol 157), a tune by Rev. J. S. B. Hodges (Carol 207),
a tune by Geo. William Warren (Carol 251),
or the tune from Piae Cantiones (Carol 405) from Carols Old and Carols New

Also: "Personent Hodie," 14th Century
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / XML
Meter: 666 66 with Refrain

1. Let the song be begun
For the battle is done,
And the vict'ry won:
And the foe is scatt'd,
And the prison shatter'd
Sing of joy, joy, joy
Sing of joy, joy;
And today raise the lay,
Gloria in Excelsis
Gloria in Excelsis,
in Excelsis

2. They that follow'd in pain
Shall now follow to reign,
And the crown shall obtain;
they were sore assaulted;
They shall be exalted;
Sing of joy, joy, joy
Sing of joy, joy;
And again, Pour the strain,
Gloria in Excelsis
Gloria in Excelsis,
in Excelsis

3. For the foe nevermore
Can approach to the shore
When the conflict is o'er,
There is joy supernal,
There is life eternal:
Sing of joy, joy, joy
Sing of joy, joy;
Earth and skies, Bid it rise,
Gloria in Excelsis
Gloria in Excelsis,
in Excelsis

4. Then be brave, then be true,
Ye despis'd and ye few,
For the crown is for you;
Christ that went before you,
Spreads His buckler o'er you;
Sing of joy, joy, joy
Sing of joy, joy;
And today raise the lay,
Gloria in Excelsis
Gloria in Excelsis,
in Excelsis

Note: Unlike other translations or adaptations of "Personet Hodie," which are classified as Christmas carols, honoring The Holy Innocents, this version is classified by Hutchins as an Easter carol

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols