When God Was Born Of Mary Free

Words: English Traditional, Before 1529

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 128-9.

Psallite gaudentes,
Infantum festa colentes

1. When God was born of Mary free,
Herod, the king of Galilee,
Was moved to malice by kingës three
    Munera portantes,
    Regem natum venerantes.

2. Herod sent for men armed bright
To seek and slay the King of light;
The blessed Child drew fro Herod's might
    Armati sunt perimentes.

Note:

Rickert provided the following translations:

• Psallite gaudentes is translated as "Sing rejoicing."

• Infantum festa colentes is translated as "Keeping the feast of the Children."

• Munera portantes is translated as "Bringing gifts."

• Regem natum venerantes is translated as "Worshipping the King that is born."

• Armati sunt perimentes is translated as "The armed men are slaying.

The feast day of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs, is December 28, and falls within the traditional 12 days of Christmas. See: The Hymns Of The Holy Innocents.

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