A Virgin Most Pure Lyrics

English trad.
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
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.

Chorus

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.
Chorus

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

Chorus

The King of all kings to this world being brought,
Small store of fine linen to wrap him was sought;
When Mary had swaddled her young son so sweet,
In an ox's manger she laid him to sleep.
Chorus

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

Chorus

Then presently after, the shepherds did spy
A number of angels appear in the sky.
Who joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing,
"To God be the Glory, Our Heavenly King."

Chorus