Alleluia. Now May We Our Merthis Make

For Christmas

Words and Music from the  Selden MS. (Selden MS. B.26 f.10.), Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Mode XIII

Compare: Now May We Mirthes Make

Source: Sir Richard Runciman Terry, A Medieval Carol Book: The Melodies Chiefly from MMS. in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and in the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1932), Carol #1, pp. 2-3.

1. Alleluia. Now may we (our) mirthis make,
For us Jesus manhoodè  hath take,
Only for our sinnès sake,
          Alleluia, Alleluia.

2. Alleluia. A King of Kings now forth is brought,
(All) Of a maid that sinnèd (in) nought,
Neither in deed nother in thought,
          Res miranda.

3. Alleluia. An Angel of counsel this day is born,
(All) Of a maid, I said beforn,
(Us) for to save that was forlorn,
          Sol de stella.

4. That Sun hath never down-going,
Nor doth His light any time fail.
The Star is evermore shining.
          Semper clara.

5. Right as the star bringeth forth a beam,
Of whom there cometh a marvellous stream,
So brought forth her Child the maid without stain.
          Pari forma.

Sheet Music from Sir Richard Runciman Terry, A Medieval Carol Book: The Melodies Chiefly from MMS. in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and in the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1932), Carol #1, pp. 2-3.

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