Now Well May We (Our) Merthis Make

For Christmas

Words and melody from the Selden M.S. (Selden MS. B.26 f.10.), Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Mode XIII

Compare: Now May We Mirthes Make, from Rickert

Music: Traditional

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #172, pp. 2-3.

Refrain:
Alleluia.

1. Now well may we (our) merthis make,
For us Jesus manhood è hath take,
Only for our sinnès sake, Alleluia.
            Alleluia, Alleluia.

2. A King of Kings now forth is brought,
(All) of a maid that sinned (in) nought,
Neither in deed nother in thought.
            Res miranda. (bis)

3. An angel of counsel this day is bornk,
(All) of a maid, I said beforn,
(Us) for to save that was forlorn.
            Sol de stella. (bis)

4. That Sun hath never down-going,
Nor doth His light any time fail.
The Star is evermore shining.
            Semper clara. (Bis)

5. Right as the star bringeth forth a beam,
Of whom there cometh a marvellous stream,
[So] brought forth her Child the maid without stain.
            Pari Forma. (Bis)

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #172, pp. 2-3.

Note:

The Selden Manuscript was the source for A Medieval Carol Book by Rev. Terry. Scans of the manuscript pages are on-line at the Bodleian Library; see Selden MS B26 (opens in a new window at an exterior site).

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