Words: O JesuIein zart, from D. G. Corner's Gesangbuch, 1631
Translated by George Ratcliffe Woodward
Melody from Maintz (1661),
Harmonized by Charles Wood
Notes and Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, ca. 1919), Carol #73, and
George Radcliffe Woodward, ed., Songs of Syon (London: Schott & Co., Third Edition, 1908), #427
1. Wo, Jesu, is me
Thy cradle to see;
Thou tender Child, say,
Why liest thou on hay?
Sleep, darling; close
Thine eyes in repose;
And make us rest
In Paradise blest.
Wo, Jesu, is me,
Thy cradle to see;
Thou tender Child, say,
Why liest thou on hay?
2. Sleep on, prithee, rest:
Naught shalt thee molest;
For ox, ass and sheep
Be all fast asleep.
Sleep, darling; close
Thine eyes in repose;
And make us rest
In Paradise blest.
Wo, Jesu, is me,
Thy cradle to see;
Thou tender Child, say,
Why liest thou on hay?
3. Hark! Seraphim high
And Cherubim cry:
Thy cradle a flock
Of Angels doth rock.
Sleep, darling; close
Thine eyes in repose;
And make us rest
In Paradise blest.
Wo, Jesu, is me,
Thy cradle to see;
Thou tender Child, say,
Why liest thou on hay?
4. See! see! darling dear,
Saint Joseph is here;
And I too am near:
Sleep on without fear.
Sleep, darling; close
Thine eyes in repose;
And make us rest
In Paradise blest.
Wo, Jesu, is me,
Thy cradle to see;
Thou tender Child, say,
Why liest thou on hay?
5. Sir ox, quiet keep;
The Infant will sleep;
Ass, prithee, lie still,
To sleep is his will.
Sleep, darling; close
Thine eyes in repose;
And make us rest
In Paradise blest.
Wo, Jesu, is me,
Thy cradle to see;
Thou tender Child, say,
Why liest thou on hay?
Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, ca. 1919), Carol #73
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
