English Carols

Written before 1500.

From a Balliol MS. of c. 1540

English Carols. From a Manuscript at Balliol College, Oxford.

Mater, ora filium, ut post hoc exilium nobis donet gaudium beatorum omnium!

Fair maiden, who is this bairn That thou bearest in thine arm? Sir it is a Kinges Son, That in Heaven above doth wone. Mater, ora, etc.

Man to father he hath none, But Himself God alone! Of a maiden He would be born, To save mankind that was forlorn! Mater, ora, etc.

The Kings brought him presents, Gold, myrrh, and frankincense To my Son full of might, King of Kings and Lord of right! Mater, ora, etc.

Fair maiden pray for us Unto thy Son, sweet Jesus, That He will send us of His grace In heaven on high to have a place! Mater, ora, etc.