Seven Virgins (The Leaves of Life) Lyrics

All under the leaves and the leaves of life
I met with virgins seven.
And one of them was Mary mild,
Our Lord's best mother in Heaven.
"Oh what are you seeking you seven pretty maids
All under the leaves of life?"
"We are seeking for no leaves, Thomas,
But for a friend of thine."

"Go down, go down into yonder town,
The city of Galilee,*
And there you'll see sweet Jesus Christ,
Nailed to a big yew tree."

So down they went into yonder town
As fast as foot could fall.
And many a bitter and grievous tear
From them virgins' eyes did fall.
"Oh peace mother oh peace mother
Your weeping does me grieve.
But I will suffer this," he said,
For Adam and for Eve."

"Oh how can I my weeping leave
My sorrows undergo?
While I do see my own son die
And sons I have no more."
He's laid his head on his right shoulder
And death has struck him nigh.
"The Holy Ghost be with your soul
Sweet mother now I die."

Oh the rose the gentle rose
The fennel it grows so strong.
Amen, good Lord, your charity
Is the ending of my song.