Lyrics:

A Virgin Most Pure
English traditional
recorder, violin, lute, bass


A virgin most pure, as the prophets do tell,
Hath brought forth a baby, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam's transgression hath wrapped us in.

Chorus (repeated after each verse):
Aye, and therefore be you merry,
Rejoice and be merry,
Set sorrows aside!
Christ Jesus, our Saviour,
Was born on this tide.

In Bethlehem in Jewry a city there was,
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxed with many a one more,
For Caesar commanded the same should be so.

But when they had entered the city so fair,
The number of people so mighty was there
That Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
Could find in the inn there no lodging at all.

Then were they constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie;
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn
But against the next morning our Saviour was born.

The King of all kings to this world being brought,
Fine number of linen to wrap him was sought;
And when she had swaddled her young son so sweet,
Within an ox's manger she laid him to sleep.

Then God sent an angel from heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,
And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day.

Then presently after, the shepherds did spy
A number of angels that stood in the sky.
They joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing,
“To God be all Glory, Our heavenly King.”