The Noble Stem Of Jesse

For Christmas

Source: Flos de radice Jesse or Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
See: Lo How A Rose Eer Blooming - Version 1
See Notes

Melody harmonized by Michael Praetorius (Mus. Ston. [Musae Sioniae] 1609).

Notes and Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised And Enlarged Edition, 1929), Carol #19

1. The noble stem of Jesse
Hath flow'red at this tide:
Rejoice, good christian people,
Rejoice ye far and wide:
In Mary see the stem;
And who the flow'r by Jesus,
The Babe of Bethlehem?

2. This flower the Prophet Essay
Foresaw and did foretell,
Born of the Virgin-Mother;
And man should love her well.
Yet, stem, to flower give place,
For from the same both angels
And man derive solace.

3. He is the modest field-flower
That in our vale is seen:
Or like the snow-white lily
Amid the briers keen:
No rose so sweet and fair;
No perfume aromatic
Can with His Name compare.

4. This flower with fragrant odour
Doth woo the passer-by,
And fill his very being
With love right wondrously;
Sweet Flower, for thee I sigh;
Thy grace my fainting spirit
Alone can satisfy.

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 Enlarged Edition, 1929), Carol #19
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML

Also found in G. R. Woodward, ed., The Hymns and Carols for Christmas-tide (London: H. Grice, 1897), Carol #2, p. 10. He noted there "From German Sources, 1605."

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