Words and Music: English Traditional

Source: Henry Vizetelly, Christmas With The Poets (London: David Bogue, 1851), who notes that this carol is found among the Additional MSS at the British Museum, No. 5665, fol 6. vo.

Versions
I Am Here, Syre Christmasse - Sandys, 1833
I am here, syre Crystesmass - Thomas Wright, 1841
Sir Christmas - Vizetelly, 1851
I Am Here, Sir Christhismas - Husk, 1868
I Am Here, Sir Christemas - Rickert, 1910

Nowel, Nowel, Nowel, Nowel,
Who is there, that singeth so Nowel
                                        Nowel, Nowel?

1. I am here, Sir Christmas
Welcome my lord Sir Christmas,
Welcome to all both more and less;¹
                            Come near Nowel.

2. God be with you, Sir, tidings I you bring,
A maid hath born a child full young,
The which causeth me to sing.
                            Nowel.

3. Christ is now born of a pure maid,
In an ox stall he is laid,
Wherefore sing we all at abraid,²
                            Nowel.

4. Drink you all right heartily,
Make good cheer and be right merry,
And sing with us now joyfully,
                            Nowel.

Notes from Mr. Vizetelly:

1. Great and small. Return

2. Suddenly, or loudly. Return