The Sussex Mummers' Carol

Old English
Compare: Sussex Mummers' Christmas Carol
With a similar title only: On Christmas Night - The Sussex Carol - Version 1

1. A glorious angel from Heaven came
Unto a virtuous maid;
Strange tidings and great news of joy
The humble Mary had.
The humble Mary had.

2. O mortal man, remember well
When Christ our Lord was born'
He was crucified betwixt two thieves
And crowned with the thorn
And crowned with the thorn.

3. O mortal man, remember well
When Christ died on the rood;
'Twas for our sins and wicked ways
Christ shed His precious blood.
Christ shed His precious blood.

4. O mortal man, remember well
When Christ was wrapped in clay;
He was taken to a sepulcher
Where no man ever lay
Where no man ever lay.

5. God bless the mistress of this house
With gold chain round her breast;
Where e'er her body sleeps or wakes,
Lord send her soul to rest,
Lord send her soul to rest.

6. God bless the master of this house
With happiness beside;
Where e'er his body rides or walks,
Lord Jesus be his guide.
Lord Jesus be his guide.

7. God bless your house, your children too,
Your cattle and your store;
The Lord increase you day by day,
And give you more and more.
And give you more and more.

Sheet Music from Lucy E. Broadwood and John Broadwood, Sussex Songs (Popular Songs of Sussex). London: Stanley Lucas, Weber & Co., 1890. Arrangements by H. F. Birch Reynardson
MIDI  / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Preface

Lyrics from Sussex Songs under the title of Mummer's Carol:

1. A glorious angel from Heaven came
Unto the Virgin Maid
Strange news and tidings of great joy
The humble Mary had,
the humble Mary had.
    Strange news and tidings of great joy
    The humble Mary had,
    the humble Mary had.

2. Each mortal man remembers well,
When Christ came down from heaven,
‘Twas for our sins and wicked ways
His precious blood was given,
his precious blood was given.

3. Each mortal man remembers well,
When Christ was put to scorn,
He was taken to the judgment seat
And crowned with the thorn,
and crowned with the thorn.

4. Each mortal man remembers well,
When Christ our Saviour died,
He was crucified upon the tree
With thieves on either side,
with thieves on either side.

5. Each mortal man remembers well
How Christ died on the rood,
‘Twas for our sins and wicked ways
Christ shed his precious blood,
Christ shed his precious blood.

6. Each mortal man remembers well,
When Christ was wrapped in clay,
He was taken to a sepulchre
Where never man did lay,
where never man did lay.

7. God bless your house, your children too,
Your cattle and your store;
The Lord increase you day by day,
And give you more and more,
and give you more and more.

Note from Broadwood:

Sung by,’ Mummers, called in Sussex “Tipteerers,” after their play of St. George, the Turk and the Seven Champions of Christendom. Words put into shape from two very illiterate versions written down from memory by two of the actors.

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