Eia, Martyr Stephane

Words: English, 15th Century

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 122.

Compare: Eya martyr Stephane (From Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols) (with sheet music)

    Eia, Martyr Stephane
Pray for us, we pray to thee.
To this martyr praise be given,
    Qui triumphavit hodie,
And did gain the bliss of heaven,
    Dono coelestis gratiae.
Stoned he was with stones great,
    Fervore gentis impiae.
Then saw he Christ for thine enemies,
    O martyr invictissime!
Then pray for us that high Justice
    Ut nos purget a crimine. Amen.

Editor's Note:

One of many hymns and carols dedicated to St. Stephen. See: Hymns to St Stephen.

J. A. Fuller Maitland, English Carols of the Fifteenth Century. London: The Leadenhall Press, E.C., ca. 1891, XI.

Carol in Original Form From a 15th Century Manuscript

Carol in Modern Form

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