There Was A Maid So Lovely
For Christmas
Words: Die alresoetste Jesus, Dutch Carol of the 15th Century
Words translated by the Rev. John O'Connor
Music: Traditional
Dutch Carol
Mode 1
Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #110, pp. 2-3.
1. There was a maid so
lovely,
Although she was so poor;
The King of Kings would make her
His own forevermore.
Said He: My rose so red,
To liven thee I bled,
Why is thy colour fled?
2. Said she: No wonder
is it
That so my colour flies,
That faint I grow and paler
With every day that dies,
It weakens hope within,
My poverty and sin
Too great such love to win.
3. Then made He as to
leave her
And his His face away,
And so she bided lonely
A season and a day.
She said: Now poor indeed
And boundless is my need
With none my suit to speed.
4. Her Lover, all
compassion
Came back to her again
And showed how love had thriven
On hope that wells from pain,.
The Cross must needs be nigh
To love that aims so high
Till sorrow turn to joy.
Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #110, pp. 2-3.
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