Of M. A. R. I. Syng I Wyll A New Song
For Christmas
Words and Music:
Traditional English
Bodleian
Library. MS. Eng. Poet. e. 1. XV Century.
Source: Thomas Wright, Songs and Carols Now First Printed, From a Manuscript of the Fifteenth Century (London: The Percy Society, 1847), Song #26, printed verbatim from a manuscript probably owned by a professional musician, and apparently written in the latter half of the fifteenth century, circa 1471-1485.
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Of M. A. R. I. syng I wyll a new song
Of these iiij. letters purpose I,
Of M. and A., R. and I,,
Thei betokyn mayd Mary,
All owre joy of hyr sprong.
Withou3ten wem of hyr body,
M. and A., R. and I.,
Of hyr was borne a kyng truly
For Jewys dedyn to deth with wrong.
Upon the mounte of Calvery,
M. and A., R. and I.,
Ther thei betyn hys bar body,
With schorges that war sharp and long.
Our der lady she stod hym by,
M. and A., R. and I.,
And wepe water ful bytterly,
And terys of blod ever among.
Note from Wright:
Another copy of this song is found in Sloane MS., fol. 24, v0, with some not very important variations.
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