Thou Dearest Disciple Of Jesu Christ

Words: English Traditional, Before 1536

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 126-7.

    Pray for us to the Trinity,
    Johanes, Christi care!

1. Thou dearest disciple of Jesu Christ,
Most best beloved and best betrust,1
Which at his Last Supper did lie on his breast,
    Sacra fluenta potare.
        Pray for us to the Trinity,
        Johannes, Christi care!

2. As (He) in His Passion to His dear mother,
Took thee for her keeper, her son and His brother,
Pray that our hearts may most of all other
    Jesum semper amare.
        Pray for us to the Trinity,
        Johannes, Christi care!

3. And as thou the strong venom which two men had slain,
Drank (thou) without hurt, and raised them again,
Pray that the venom of sin may us not pain,
    Non poterit alligare.
        Pray for us to the Trinity,
        Johannes, Christi care!

4. As thou the two men their treasure did restore,
That had forsaken and mournëd therefore,
Pray that we may false riches forsake for evermore,
    Celis tesaurizare.
        Pray for us to the Trinity,
        Johannes, Christi care!

5. And pray that we may have such grace,
Here so to mourn for our trespass,
That we may stand sicker2 before Christ's face,
    Cum venerit judicare.
        Pray for us to the Trinity,
        Johannes, Christi care!

Notes from Rickert:

1. Trusted. Return

2. Secure. Scotch, sicker. Return

Rickert gives the following translations:

• Johannes, Christi care is translated as "John, Christ's beloved."

• Sacra fluenta potare is translated as "To drink of the sacred fountains."

• Jesum semper amare is translated as "To love Jesus always."

• Non poterit alligare is translated as "He will not be able to bind.

• Celis tesaurizare is translated as "To heap up treasures in the heavens.

• Cum venerit judicare is translated as "When He shall come to judge."

Editor's Note: The feast day of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist, occurs on December 27, within the traditional 12 days of Christmas. For more information, see Hymns To St. John The Evangelist.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols