Gabriel, That Angel Bright

Regina celi, letare
Queen of Heaven, Rejoice!

For The Annunciation, Advent, Christmas

The Salutation Carol of the Angel Gabriel
Based on Luke 1:26-38,
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Words: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century
Compare: Gabriell, That Angell Bry3t (Wright)
Gabriel, That Angel Bright (Weston)

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 29-30.

1. Gabriel, that angel bright,
Brighter than the sun is light,
From heaven to earth he took his flight.
            Letare.

2. In Nazareth, that great city,
Before a maiden he kneeled on knee,
And said, "Mary, God is with thee.
            Letare."

3. "Hail, Mary, full of grace,
God is with thee and ever was;
He hath in thee chosen a place.
            Letare."

4. Mary was afraid of that sight,
That came to her with so great light.
Then said the angel that was so bright,
            "Letare."

5. "Be not aghast of least nor most,
In thee is conceived the Holy Ghost,
To save the souls that were for-lost.
            Letare."

Note:

Regina celi, letare is translated by Rickert as "Queen of Heaven, rejoice."

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