The Conception Of Christ

Words: English Traditional, Before 1567
Ane Compendious Buik of Godlie and Spirituall Sangis.

 

Music:
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 38-40.

1. Let us rejoice and sing
And praise that michty King,
Whilk sent His Son of a virgin bricht.
        La-lay-la.

2. And on Him tuke our vile nature,
Our deadly woundës to cure,
Mankind to hold in richt.
        La-lay-la. 

3. Saint Luke writes in his gospel,
God sent His angel Gabriel
Unto that virgin but¹ defame,
        La-lay-la.

4. For to fulfil the prophecy,
Was spousit with Joseph free;
Marie she had to name.
        La-lay-la.

5. Thir words to her he did rehearse,
"Hail, Mary, full of grace,
The Lord God is with thee!"
        La-lay-la.

6. "Thou blessed virgin mild,
Thou sall conceive ane Child,
The people redeem sall He."
        La-lay-la.

7. "Whose power and great micht
Sall be in Godës sicht,
Whilk from the Fader of micht is sent."
        La-lay-la.

8. "Jesus His name ye call
Whilk sall be prince over all,
His Kingdom sall have name end."
        La-lay-la.

9. Than spake that virgin free,
"Behold, how sall this be,
Seeing I know na man?"
        La-lay-la.

10. Than said the angel chaste,
"By the power of the Haly Ghaist,
Whilk all thing work He can."
        La-lay-la.

11. "Elizabeth thy cousin also
Six moneth with child can go,
At whose birth great joy sall bew."
        La-lay-la.

12. "Call him John," says the angel bricht,
Whilk is sent by Godës micht,
The Lordës way prepare sall he."
        La-lay-la.

Note:

1. Without Return

Rickert's Note at page 150:

"This was probably written by John Wedderburn, whose name is especially associated with the Reformation in Scotland. Its interest lies chiefly in its introduction of a lullaby refrain into the Annunciation episode."

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