O Mary, Well of Purity

For Christmas

Words: Fonteine moeder maghet reine, Dutch Carol of the 15^th Century

Words translated by the Rev. John O'Connor

Music: Traditional Dutch Carol

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #122, p. 23.

1. O Mary, well of purity,
Divinest rose of charity,
Creation's jewel, praise to thee.

2. God gave to thee His only Son,
Thy portion is the priceless One,
The universal Benison.¹

3. Beyond all nature loving-kind
Thou didst conceive Him in Thy mind
Or ere thy womb His flesh enshrined.

4. In ever growing straits we all
Had come to grief through Adam's fall,
Till earth was like hell's entrance-hall.

5. Oh! shall we pass by such a day,
And leave unsung salvation's lay,
Is Jesu's name so hard to say?

6. With heart and spirit unbeguiled,
Rebuking Satan's warfare wild,
Sing high the glory of the Child.

7. Of Jesse's root let praise he flower,
No praise can match her lovely power
That brings us our eternal dower.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #122, p. 23.

Editor's Note:

1. The giving of a “Benison” is the giving of a “Blessing.” Return

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