Proface, Welcom, Well Come

De Natiuitate

Source: William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (London: Richard Beckley, 1833)

Compare: Profate, welcome, wellecome! - Thomas Wright
Proface (Rickert)

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See notes in F A Q

1. Proface, welcom, well come,
This tyme ys born a chylde of grace,
y^t for v^s mäkynde hathe take.
                            proface.

2. A kyngs sone and an emperoure
ys comyn oute of a maydynys toure,
w^t v^s to dwelle w^t grete honowre.
                            proface.

3. This holy tyme of cristsmesse
All sorwe and synne we shulde relese,
And caste away all heuynesse.
                            ×face.

4. The gode lord of this place entere
Seith welcome to all y^t now apere
Vnto suche fare as ye fynde here.
                              ×face.

5. Well come be this new ere,
And loke ye all be of gode chere,
Oure lorde god be at oure denere.
                              ×face.

Sandys' Note:

This [is] from Addit. MSS. 5665. (formerly in Ritson's possession,) being a collection of church services, hymns, carols and songs in score, made (as it supposed) in the time of Henry VIII [1491-1547, reign 1509-1547].

The term 'proface' was a familiar exclamation at meals signifying "much good may it do you." Narel's Glossary.