The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Mirabile Misterium!
The Son of God Is Man Become

Words: English Traditional, Fifteenth Century
MS. Lansdowne 379, fol. 83.

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), p. 159

1. A marvelous thing I have mused in my mind,
    How that Veritas sprang right of the ground,
And Justicia, for all mankind,
    From heaven to earth he came adown.
        Mirabile misterium!
        The Son of God is man become.

2. Then Mary, that merciful may,
    Seeing man damned for his trespass
Hath sent down Sapientia, the sooth to say;
    Man is redeemed and brought to grace.
        Mirabile misterium!
        The Son of God is man become.

3. Celestial citizens, for us that you pray
    To Him that is both Alpha and O,
That we may be savėd on Doomsday,
    And brought to that bliss He bought us to!
        Mirabile misterium!
        The Son of God is man become.

Note: Rickert translates Mirabile misterium as "Wonderful mystery."

Illustration from Rickert:

Salve Regina

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