Worshipt Be The Birth Of Thee

Ave Domina Celi Regina

For Christmas

Words and Music from the Selden MS. (Selden MS. B.26 f.14.), Bodleian Library, Oxford
Mode I.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #182, pp. 22-23.

Refrain:
Ave Domina celi regina.

1. Worshipt be the birth of thee;
    Quem portasti Maria.
Both in bower and in city.
    Ave Domina.

2. For through our sins we were forlorn
    Infernali pena
He shall us save whom thou hast borne,
    Ave Domina!

3. Almighty Goddès will it was,
    Felix fecundata
That upon thee should light His grace,
    Ave Domina!

4. Blessed be thou maidè mild
    Que semper es amica
Beween mankind and the Child
    Ave Domina!

5. Lady, queen of paradise,
    Mater Dei electa,
Thou bere our Lord, that high Justice
    Ave Domina!

6. With mirth and all solemnity,
    Nato canunt omnia.
Thou berd of blee,¹ welcome thou be,
    Ave Domina!

Note from Rev. Terry:

1. Berd of blee = maid of (bright) hue.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #182, pp. 22-23.

Sheet Music from Sir Richard Runciman Terry, A Medieval Carol Book: The Melodies Chiefly from MMS. in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and in the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1932), Carol #13, pp. 26-27.

Note:

The Selden Manuscript was one of the sources for A Medieval Carol Book. Scans of the manuscript pages are on-line at the Bodleian Library; see Selden MS B26 (opens in a new window at an exterior site).

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