Prologue (Shearmen and Tailors) ISAIAH The sovereign that seeth every secret, He save you all and make you perfect and strong, And give us grace with his mercy for to meet. For now in great misery mankind is bound, The serpent hath given us so mortal a wound That no creature is able us for to release Till thy right unction of Judah doth cease. Then shall much mirth and joy increase, And the right root in Israel spring That shall bring forth the grain of wholeness; And out of danger he shall us bring Into that region where he is king, Which above all other far doth abound, And that cruel Satan he shall confound. Wherefore I come here upon this ground To comfort every creature of birth, For I, Isaiah the prophet, hath found Many sweet matters whereof we may make mirth, On this same wise, For though that Adam be deemed to death, With all his children, as Abel and Seth, Yet Ecce virgo concipiet, Lo, where a remedy shall rise. Behold, a maid shall conceive a child, And get us more grace than ever men had, And her maidenhead nothing defiled. She is deputed to bear the son, Almighty God. Lo, sovereigns, now may you be glad, For of this maiden all we may be fain; For Adam, that now lies in sorrow full sad, Her glorious birth shall redeem him again From bondage and thrall. Now be merry, every one, For this deed briefly in Israel shall be done, And before the father in throne That shall glad us all Exit Isaiah Annunciation and Nativity (Shearmen and Taylors) Enter Gabriel to Mary GABRIEL Hail Mary, full of grace, Our Lord God is with thee; Above all women that ever was, Lady, blessed may thou be. MARY Almighty Father and King of bliss, From all disease thou save me now! For inwardly my spirit troubled is, That I am amazed and know not how. GABRIEL Dread thee nothing, maiden, of this. From heaven above hither am I sent Of embassage from that King of bliss, Unto thee, lady and virgin reverent Saluting thee here as most excellent Whose virtue above all other doth abound; Wherefore in thee grace shall be found, For thou shalt conceive upon this ground The second person of God in throne. He will be born of thee alone; Without sin thou shalt him see; Thy grace and goodness will never be gone, But ever to live in virginity. MARY I marvel sore how that may be. Man’s company knew I never yet, Nor never to do cast I me, While that our Lord sendeth me my wit. GABRIEL The Holy Ghost in thee shall light And shadow thy soul so with virtue From the Father that is on height. These words, turtle, they be full true. This child that of thee shall be born Is the Second Person in Trinity. He shall save that was forlorn, And the fiend’s power destroy shall he. These words, lady, full true they be, And further, lady, here in thine own lineage, Behold Elizabeth, thy cousin clean, The which was barren and past all age, And now with child she hath been Six months and more as shall be seen, Wherefore discomfort thee not, Mary, For to God impossible nothing may be. MARY Now and it be that Lord’s will Of my body to be born and to be, His High pleasures for to fulfil As his own handmaid I submit me. GABRIEL Now blessed be the time set That thou wast born in thy degree, For now is the knot surely knit, And God conceived in Trinity. Now farewell, lady of mights most; Unto the godhead I thee beteach. MARY That Lord thee guide in every coast, And lowly he lead me and be my leech. Here the Angel departeth, and Joseph cometh in and sayeth: JOSEPH Mary, my wife so dear, How do ye, dame, and what cheer Is with you this tide? MARY Truly, husband, I am here, Our Lord’s will for to abide. JOSEPH What! I trow that we be all shent! Say, woman, who hath been here since I went, To rage with thee? MARY Sir, here was neither man nor man’s even But only the angel of our Lord God in heaven. JOSEPH Say not so woman, for shame let be! Ye be with child so wondrous great Ye need thereof no more to treat Against all right. Forsooth, this child, dame, is not mine. Alas that ever with mine eyn I should see this sight. Tell me, woman, whose is this child? MARY None but yours, husband so mild, JOSEPH But mine, alas, alas, why say ye so? Well away, woman, now may I go Beguiled as many another is. MARY Nay, truly, sir, ye be not beguiled, Nor yet with spot of sin I am not defiled, Trust ye well, husband. JOSEPH Husband, in faith! and that a-cold! Ah, well away, Joseph, as thou art old! Like a fool now may I stand and curse, But, in faith, Mary, thou art in sin. So much as I have cherished thee, dame, and all thy kin, Behind my back to serve me thus! All old men example take by me: How I am beguiled here may you see, To wed so young a wife. Now farewell, Mary, I leave thee here alone. Woe worth thee, dame, and thy works each one, For I will no more beguiled be for friend nor foe. Now of this deed I am so dull, And of my life I am so full No further may I go. ANGEL Arise up, Joseph, and go home again Unto Mary thy wife that is so free. To comfort her look that thou be fain, For, Joseph, a clean maiden is she. She hath conceived without any train The Second Person in Trinity. Jesu shall be his name certain, And all this world save shall he, Be not agast. JOSEPH Now, Lord, I thank thee with heart full sad, For of these tidings I am so glad, That all my care away is cast, Wherefore to Mary I will in haste. Ah, Mary, Mary, I kneel full low; Forgive me sweet wife, here in this land. Mary, Mary, for now I know Of you good governance and how it doth stand. Though that I did thee misname’ Mercy, Mary! While I live Will I never, sweet wife, thee grieve, In earnest or in game. MARY Now that Lord in heaven, sir, he you forgive, And I do forgive you in his name For evermore. JOSEPH Now truly, sweet wife, to you I say the same. But now to Bethlehem must I wend And show myself, so full of care; And I to leave you, this great, behind – God wot, the while, dame, how ye should fare! MARY Nay, hardily, husband, dread ye nothing, For I will walk with you in the way. I trust in God, almighty King, To speed right well in our journey. JOSEPH Now I thank you, Mary, of your goodness That ye my words will not blame; And sith that to Bethlehem we shall us dress, Go we together, in God’s holy name. JOSEPH Now to Bethlehem have we leagues three. The day is nigh spent; it draweth toward night. Fain at your ease, dame, I would that ye should be, For you grow all wearily, it seemeth by my sight. MARY God have mercy, Joseph, my spouse so dear. All prophets hereto do bear witness: The very time now draweth near That my child shall be born which is King of bliss. Unto some place, Joseph, kindly me lead, That I might rest me with grace in this tide. The light of the Father over us both spread, And the grace of my son with us here abide. JOSEPH Lo, blessed Mary, here shall ye bide, Chief chosen of our Lord and cleanest in degree, And for help to town will I wend. Is not this best, dame, what say ye? MARY God have mercy, Joseph, my husband so meek, And heartily I pray you go now from me. JOSEPH That shall be done in haste, Mary so sweet; The comfort of the Holy Ghost leave I with thee. Now to Bethlehem straight will I wend To get some help for Mary so free. Some help of women God may me send, That Mary, full of grace, pleased may be. 1 SHEPHERD Now God that art in Trinity, Thou save my fellows and me, For I know not where my sheep nor they be, This night it is so cold. Now is it nigh the midst of the night. These weathers are dark and dim of light, That of them can I have no sight, Standing here on this wold. But now, to make their hearts light, Now will I full right stand on this low, And to them cry with all my might − Full well my voice they know − With ho! fellows! ho! ho! ho! 2 SHEPHERD Hark, Sim, hark! I hear our brother on the low. This is his voice, right well I know, Therefore toward him let us go And follow his voice aright. See, Sim, see where he doth stand. I am right glad we have him found! Brother, where hast thou been so long, And this night it is so cold? 1 SHEPHERD Ee, friends, there came a scour of wind with a mist suddenly, That forth off my ways went I, And great heaviness made I, And was full sore afraid. Then for to go wist I not whither, But travelled on this low hither and thither; I was so weary of this cold weather That near past was my might. 3 SHEPHERD Brothers, now we are past that fright, And it is far within the night; Full soon will spring the day light, It draweth full near the tide. Here a while let us rest And repast ourself of the best; Till that the sun rise in the east Let us all here abide. There the shepherds draw forth their meat and do eat and drink, and as they drink they find the star and say thus: 3 SHEPHERD Brothers, look up and behold! What thing is yonder that shineth so bright? As long as ever I have watched my fold Yet saw I never such a sight in field. Aha! now is come the time that old fathers have told, That in the winter’s night so cold A child of maiden born be he would In whom all prophecies shall be fulfilled. 1 SHEPHERD Truth it is withouten nay, So said the prophet Isaie, That a child should be born of a maiden so bright In winter, nigh the shortest day, Or else in the midst of the night. 2 SHEPHERD Loved be God most of might, That our grace is to see that sight. Pray we to him as it is right, If that his will it be, That we may have knowledge of this signification And why it appeareth on this fashion; And ever to him let us give laudation In earth while that we be. There the angels sing ‘Gloria in excelsis deo’ 3 SHEPHERD Hark, they sing above in the clouds clear! Heard I never of so merry a choir. Now, gentle brothers, draw we near To hear their harmony. 1 SHEPHERD Brother, mirth and solace has come us among, For by the sweetness of their song God’s son is come, whom we have looked for long, As signifieth this star that we do see. 2 SHEPHERD ‘Glory glorious in excelsis’ – that was their song. How say ye, fellows, said they not thus? 1 SHEPHERD That is well said; now go we hence To worship that child of high magnificence, And that we may sing in his presence ‘Et in terra pax ominibus’. There the Shepherds sing ‘As I rode out’, and Joseph sayeth: JOSEPH Now, Lord, this noise that I do hear, With this great solemnity, Greatly amended hath my cheer; I trust high news shortly will be. There the angels sing ‘Gloria in excelsis deo’ again MARY Ah, Joseph, husband, come hither anon; My child is born that is king of bliss. JOSEPH Now welcome to me, the maker of man; With all the homage that I can Thy sweet mouth here will I kiss. MARY Ah, Joseph, husband, my child waxeth cold, And we have no fire to warm him with. JOSEPH Now in mine arms I shall him fold. King of all kings, by field and by frith, He might have had better, and himself would, Than the breathing of these beasts to warm him with. MARY Now Joseph, my husband, fetch hither my child, The Maker of man and high King of bliss. JOSEPH That shall be done anon, Mary so mild, For the breathing of these beasts hath warmed him well, iwis. Angels appear to the Shepherds 1 ANGEL Herdmen hend, dread ye nothing Of this star that ye do see, For this same morn God’s son is born In Bethlehem of a maiden free. 2 ANGEL Hie you thither in haste. It is his will he shall him see Lying in a crib of poor repast, Yet of David’s line comen is he. 1 SHEPHERD Hail, maid, mother, and wife so mild. As the angel said, so have we found. I have nothing to present with thy child But my pipe – hold, hold, take it in thy hand – Wherein much pleasure that I have found; And now to honour thy glorious birth Thou shalt it have to make thee mirth. 2 SHEPHERD Now hail be thou, child, and thy dame, For in a poor lodging here art thou laid; So the angel said and told us thy name. Hold, take thou here my hat on thy head, And now of one thing thou art well sped, For weather thou hast no need to complain, For wind nor sun, hail, snow and rain. 3 SHEPHERD Hail be thou, Lord over water and lands, For thy coming all we make mirth. Have here my mittens to put on thy hands; Other treasure have I none to present thee with. MARY Now, herdmen hend, for your coming To my child shall I pray, As he is heaven King, to grant you his blessing, And to his bliss that ye may wend at your last day. Exit Shepherds Slaughter of the Innocents (Shearmen and Taylors) Herod cometh in and the Messenger MESSENGER Faites paix, dames, barons de grand renoun, Paix, seigneurs, chevaliers de noble puissance, Paix, gentilhommes, compagnons petits et grands! De gardez tous silence je vous command, Et le Roie Erode la grand − diable vous import! HEROD Qui statis in Judah et Rex Israel, And the mightiest conqueror that ever walked on ground: For I am even he that made both heaven and hell, And of my mighty power holdeth up this world round. Magog and Madrok both I did confound, And with this bright brand their bones I broke asunder, That all the wide world on those raps did wonder. I am the cause of this great light and thunder; It is through my fury that they such noise do make. My fearful countenance the clouds so doth encumber That oft-times for dread thereof the very earth doth quake. Look, when I with malice this bright brand do shake, And the whole world from the north to the south I may them destroy with one word of my mouth. Behold my countenance and my colour, Brighter that the sun in the midst of the day. Where can you have a more greater succour Than to behold my person that is so gay? And named the most renowned King Herod, Which that all princes hath under subjection And all their whole power under my protection. And therefore my herald here, called Calcas, Warn thou every port that no ships arrive, Nor alien stranger through my realms pass But for their truage do pay marks five. Now speed thee forth hastily, For they that will the contrary Upon a gallows hanged shall be, And, by Mahownd, of me they get no grace. MESSENGER Now lord and master, in all haste Thy worthy will it shall be wrought. HEROD Now shall our regions throughout be sought In every place both east and west. If any caitifs to me be brought It shall be nothing for their best. And the while that I do rest, Trumpets, viols and other harmony Shall bless the waking of my majesty. Here Herod goeth away and the iii kings speaketh in the street. 1 KING Now blessed be God upon this ground, For yonder a fair bright star I see. Now is he comen us among, As the prophet said that it should be, He said there should a babe be born, Coming of the root of Jesse To save mankind that was forlorn, And truly comen now is he. Reverence and worship to him will I do As God and man that all made of nought. All the prophets accorded and said even so That with his precious blood mankind should be bought; He grant me grace, by yonder star that I see, And into that place bring me That I may him worship with humility And see his glorious face. 2 KING Out of my way I deem that I am, For tokens of this country can I none see. Now God, that on earth madest man, Send me some knowledge where that I be. Yonder methink a fair bright star I see, The which betokeneth the birth of a child That hither is come to make man free, He born of a maid and she nothing defiled. To worship that child is mine intent; Forth now will I take my way. I trust some company God hath me sent, For yonder I see a king labour on the way. Toward him now will I ride. Hark, comely king, I you pray: Into what coast will ye this tide, Or whither lies your journey? 1 KING To seek a child is mine intent Of whom the prophets hath meant. The time is come: now is he sent, By yonder star here may you see. 2 KING Sir, I pray you with your licence To ride with you into his presence, For the head of the whole Church shall he be. 3 KING I ride wandering in ways wide Over mountains and dales; I know not where I am. Now, King of all Kings, send me such guide That I might have knowledge of this country’s name. Ah! yonder I see a sight beseeming all afar The which betokens some news, as I trow, As methink a child appearing in a star. I trust he be come that shall defend us from woe. Two kings yonder I see, and to them will I ride For to have their company; I trust they will me abide. Hail, comely kings! Good sirs, I pray you, whither are ye bent? 1 KING To seek a child is our intent, Which betokens yonder star, as ye may see. 3 KING Sirs, I pray you, and that right humbly, With you that I may ride in company. To Almighty God now pray we That his precious person we may see. Here Herod cometh in again and the Messenger sayeth: MESSENGER Hail, lord most of might! Thy commandment is right; Into thy land is come this night Three kings in a company. HEROD What make those kings in this country? MESSENGER To seek a king and a child, they say. HEORD Of what age should he be? MESSENGER Scant twelve days old full. HEROD Now on pain of death bring them me before, And therefore, herald, hie thee now in haste In all speed that thou were dight, Ere that those kings the country be past. Look thou bring them all three before my sight, And in Jerusalem enquire more of that child. But I warn thee that thy words be mild, For there mayest thou heed and craft wield How to fordo his power, and those three kings shall be beguiled. MESSENGER Lord, I am ready at you bidding To serve thee as my lord and king. For joy thereof, lo, how I spring With light heart and fresh gambolling. HEROD Then speed thee forth hastily, And look that thou bear thee evenly. MESSENGER Hail, sir kings, in your degree. Herod, king of these countries wide, Desireth to speak with you all three, And for your coming he doth abide. 1 KING Sir, at his will we be right fain. Hie us, brethren, to that Lord’s place. MESSENGER Hail, lord without peer! These three kings here have we brought. HEROD Now welcome, sir kings, all here. But of my bright beams abash you not! Sir kings, as I understand, A star hath guided you to my land By reason of its beams bright, Wherefor I pray you heartily, How long it is surely Since of that star ye had first sight? 1 KING Sir King, the very truth to say, This same is even the twelfth day Since it appeared to us by west. HEROD Brethren, then is there no more to say But with heart and will keep ye your journey, And come home by me this same way, Of your news that I might know. You shall triumph in this country, And with great concord banquet with me; And that child myself then will I see And honour him also. 2 KING Sir, your commandment we will fulfil, And humbly obey ourself theretill. 3 KING Now farewell, king of high degree; Humbly of you our leave we take. HEROD Then adieu, kings all three. Exit Kings Now these three kings are gone on their way; Unwisely and unwittily have they all wrought. When they come again they shall die that same day, Such is my liking. He that against my laws will hold, Be he king or kaiser never so bold, To death I shall them bring. There Herod goeth his ways and the iii kings come in again 1 KING O blessed God, much is thy might, Where is this star that gave us light? 2 KING Now kneel we down here in this presence, Beseeching that Lord of high magnificence That we may see his high excellence, If that his sweet will it be. 3 KING Yonder, brother, I see the star, Whereby I know he is not far. Therefore, lords, go we near, Into this poor place. There the iii kings go in to Mary and her child 1 KING Hail, Lord, that all this world hath wrought. Hail, God and man together here. For thou hast made all thing of nought, Albeit that that thou liest poorly here, A cup of gold I have thee brought In tokening thou art without peer. 2 KING Hail be thou, Lord of high magnificence. In tokening of priesthood and dignity of office To thee I offer a cupful of incense, For it behoveth thee to have such sacrifice. 3 KING Hail be thou, Lord long looked for. I have brought thee myrrh for mortality, In tokening thou shalt mankind restore To life by thy death upon a tree. MARY God have mercy, kings, of your goodness. By guiding of the Godhead hither are ye sent; The provision of my sweet son your ways home redress, And ghostly reward you for your present. 1 KING Sir kings, after our promise, Home by Herod I must needs go. 2 KING Now truly, brethren, we can no less, But I am so forwatched I wot not what to do. 3 KING Right so am I; wherefor I you pray, Let us all rest us a while upon this ground. 1 KING Brethren, your saying is right well unto my pay; The grace of that sweet child save us all sound. ANGEL King of Taurus, Sir Jasper; King of Araby, Sir Balthasar; Melchior, King of Aginar; To you now am I sent: For dread of Herod, go you west home Into those parts when ye come down; The Holy Ghost thus knowledge hath sent. 1 KING Awake, sir kings, I you pray, For the voice of an angel I heard in my dream. 2 KING That is full true that ye do say, For he rehearsed our names plain. 3 KING He bad that we should go down by west For dread of Herod’s false betrayal. 1 KING So for to do it is the best; The child that we have sought guide us the way. 2 King Now farewell, Sir Jasper, brother, to you; Sir Melchior, also to you I bow. And I thank you both of your good company. 3 KING Now since that we must needly go For dread of Herod that is so wroth, Now farewell brother, and brother also; And he that made us meet on plain, He give us grace together to meet With mirth in heaven again. Exit Kings MESSENGER Hail, king through all this world so wide, Hail, most mightiest that ever bestrode a steed, Hail, most manfullest man in armour man to abide, Hail, in thine honour! These three kings that forth were sent And should have come again before thee here present, Another way, lord, home they went, Contrary to thine honour. HEROD Another way? out! out! out! Hath these false traitors done me this deed? I stamp! I stare! I look all about! I rant! I rave! and now I run mad! They shall be hanged if I may come them to! Here Herod rages in the pageant and in the street also And that knave of Bethlehem he shall be dead, And thus shall I fordo his prophecy. How say you, sir knights, is this not the best rede, That all young children for this should be dead, With sword to be slain? Then shall I, Herod live in land, And all folk me doubt and dread, And offer to me both gold, riches and mede: Thereto will they be full glad. 1 SOLDIER My lord, King Herod by name, Thy words against my will shall be. To see so many young children die is shame; Therefore counsel gets thou none of me. 2 SOLDIER Well said, fellow, my troth I plight. Sir king, perceive right well you may, So great a murder to see of young fruit Will make a rising in thine own country. HEROD A rising! out! out! out! There Herod rages again, and then sayeth thus: HEROD Out, villain wretches, upon you I cry! My will utterly look that it be wrought, Or upon a gallows both of you shall die, By Mahownd most mighty that me dear hath bought. 1 SOLDIER Now, cruel Herod, since we shall do this deed, Your will needfully in this realm must be wrought: All the children of that age die they must need. 2 SOLDIER And I will swear here upon your bright sword: All the children that I find slain they shall be, That may make many a mother to weep and be full sore afeared. HEROD Now that you have sworn, forth that ye go, And I will that ye work both by day and night. Then will I for fain trip like a doe! Exit Herod and Soldiers ANGEL Mary and Joseph, to you I say, Sweet word from the father I bring you full right: Out of Bethlehem into Egypt forth go ye the way, For dread of Herod’s rede. JOSEPH Arise up, Mary, hastily and soon. Our Lord’s will must needs be done, Like as the angel bade. MARY Meekly, Joseph, mine own spouse, Toward that country let us repair; God grant us grace safe to come there. Here the women come in with their children, singing [to] them, and Mary and Joseph goeth away clean Song: Lully, lulla 1 WOMAN I lull my child wondrously sweet, And in mine arms I do it keep, Because that it should not cry. 2 WOMAN That babe that is born in Bethlehem so meek, He save my child and me from villainy. 3 WOMAN Be still, be still, my little child; That Lord of lords save both thee and me, For Herod hath sworn with words wild That all young children slain they shall be. 1 SOLDIER How now, ye withered wives, whither are ye away? What bear ye in your arms needs must we see. If they be man children, die they must this day, For at Herod’s will all thing must be. 2 SOLDIER If I in hands once them hent Them for to slay nought would I spare. We must fulfil Herod’s commandment, Else be we as traitors and cast all in care. 1 WOMAN Sir knights, of your courtesy, This day shame not your chivalry, But on my child have pity For my sake in this stead; For simple slaughter it were to slay Or to work such a child woe That can neither speak nor go Nor never harm did. 2 WOMAN He that slays my child in sight, If that my strokes on him may light, Be it squire or knight I hold him but lost. See, thou false losinger, A stroke shalt thou bear me here And spare thee for no cost. 3 WOMAN Sit he never so high in saddle But I shall make his brains addle, And here with my pot ladle With him will I fight. I shall lay on him as though I mad were With this same womanly gear; There shall no man stir, Whether he be king or knight. The Soldiers kill the children 1 SOLDIER Who heard ever such a cry Of women that their children have lost, And greatly rebuking chivalry Throughout this land in every coast. For this wretched ill that now is dome I fear much vengeance thereof will come. 2 SOLDIER Ey brother, such tales may we not tell, Wherefore to the king let us go, For he is like to bear the peril Which was the causer that we did so. Yet must all be brought him to With wains and wagons fully freight. I trow there will be a careful sight. 1 SOLDIER Lo, Herod king, here mayst thou see How many thousand that we have slain. 2 SOLDIER And needs thy will fulfilled must be, There may no man say there against. MESSENGER Herod king, I shall thee tell, All thy deeds are come to nought. This child is gone into Egypt to dwell. Lo, sir, in thine own land what wonders are wrought. HEROD Into Egypt? Alas, for woe! Longer in land here I cannot abide. Saddle my palfrey, for in haste I will go; After yon traitors now will I ride Them for to slay. Now all men hie fast into Egypt in haste! All that country will I taste, till I may come them to. The Purification (Weavers) SIMEON The celestial sovereign, our high God eternal, Which of this marvellous world is the foundator, And created the high heavens his own see imperial, With sun, moon and stars, earth, sky and water, And all for the sustenance of our human nature, With fish, fowl, beast and every other thing Under us to have the natural course and being, Yet our former parents at the beginning Through disobedience had a grievous fall From the high palace and bliss everlasting Down into mourning in this miserable vale For the which transgression all we are now mortal That before was infinite for ever to remain, And now shall take end by death and cruel pain, Which grievous sorrow oft doth me constrain Inwardly to sigh and bitter tears to weep, Till that I remember the great comfort again Of ancient prophets with their sentence sweet, Whose fructuous science of profound learning deep Told that the light of love among us here With grace of his coming shall amend our cheer. Now, Lord, fulfil that time of peace, For age draweth me fast upon: Fain would I see that holy of holiness Ere this mortal life from me were gone. Now, Lord, as thou art three in one, Grant me grace, if that thy will be, In mine old age that sight for to see. Here Anna cometh in to Simeon and sayeth: ANNA O sovereign Simeon, with all solemnity, That of our glorious temple hath the governance, With all due reverence here beseech I thee, Thy old friend in God to have remembrance, The which hath tarried by a long continuance For the coming of the right Messaie, Which hath been promised unto us by prophecy. O Lord, though that I be nothing worthy To see the fashion of thy precious picture, Yet, Lord, accept me of thy great mercy As thy poor servant and faithful creature. To see thee, Lord, if that I might be sure, No longer on ground would I require In this mortal life to continue here. SIMEON Now, Anna, sister and dear friend, Let us both with a holy intent In this true faith our lives end Praising that Lord which is omnipotent; Wherefore I think it full expedient In continual prayer for to endure, And know thereby his gracious pleasure Simeon and Anna withdraw into the temple GABRIEL Hail, Mary meek and mild, Hail, maiden, and thy child That all this world made. Thy celestial Father which is omnipotent Of his embassage hither hath me sent Unto thee, lady and virgin reverent, With thy son, our heaven king, Unto the temple that thou shouldst go, And two white turtle-doves with thee also, And present the child and them too, All three of them in offering. Speed you forth that ye were gone; But leave not ye Joseph at home, For needly, lady, he must be one In this sacrifice doing. MARY With heart and will it shall be done, In pleasing of that Father of might. He that is and ever was Be thy guide where ever thou go, And send us all of his grace. Here Mary goeth to Joseph and says: MARY Rest well, Joseph, my spouse so free. JOSEPH Now welcome, Mary, dame, what say ye? MARY Sweet news, husband, I bring to thee: The angel of God with me hath been, To give us both warning That you and I, with a holy intent, After the Law that here is meant Should in the temple our child present In Jerusalem, there to make offering. JOSEPH Now, Mary, that would I never deny, But after my power for to apply, And that you know, dame, as well as I, You never call but I am ready. MARY Now, husband, ye speak full gently; Therefore look, Joseph, if ye could spy Two turtle-doves how that we might come nigh, For needly turtles offer must we. JOSEPH Nay, nay, Mary, that will not be. Mine age is such I may not well see; There shall no doves be sought for me, As God me save. MARY Sweet Joseph, fulfil ye our Lord’s behests. JOSEPH Why, and would’st thou have me hunt birds’ nests? I pray thee heartily, dame, leave those jests, And talk of what will be. MARY Yea, heartily, Joseph, do not dread. Our Lord will quit right well your deed, And at all times be your speed, And further you in your voyage. JOSEPH Ey, dame! Ey, God help us all! You mind nothing mine age, But the weakest goeth ever to the wall. Therefore go thou thyself, dame, for me thou shall, Or get thee a new page. MARY Husband, these be no women’s deeds. Therefore, Joseph, ye must forth needs, There is no remedy JOSEPH No remedy then, but I must forth need. Now our Lord grant me well for to speed. Lo, fair words full oft do lead Men clean against their mind. Now, Lord God, thou send me fair weather, And that I may find these fowls together, White or black I care not whether, So that I may them find. MARY Now that Lord that best may, He be your speed in your journey, And good tidings of you me send. Here Joseph goeth from Mary and sayeth: JOSEPH I wander about myself alone; Turtles or doves can I none see. Now, King of heaven, thou amend my moan, For I trow I seek not where they be For-weary I may no longer stand; These bushes they tear me on every side; Here will I sit upon this land, Our Lord’s will for to abide. 1 ANGEL Arise up, Joseph, and take no thought For these two fowls that thou hast sought: Even to thy hand I have them brought, And therefore be of good cheer. Take them here both two, And again to Mary thy wife thou go, Tarry no longer here. JOSEPH O praise be unto that Lord so excellent For those two fowls that I have sought, All care from me is past. Now that Mary my wife these birds had For to make her heart as glad, To her will I in haste. Now rest well, Mary, mine own darling, I have brought these doves for our offering: Here be they both alive. Woman, have them in thy hand. Am I not a good husband? Yea, dame, so might I thrive. MARY Now the Father of heaven that is above, He quit you, Joseph, for this deed, And further I pray you for my love, Unto the temple let us make speed. JOSEPH Dame, that is both reason and skill; Set forward then, and let me see. 2 ANGEL Awake, Simeon, and dread thee nought! In all the haste that ever may be, And receive that Lord that all hath wrought, With him, his mother Mary. Make speed, Simeon, that thou were dight To receive that child with all thy might. Now shalt thou see the blessedest sight That ever thou didst see. Singing SIMEON O Lord of lords! This solemn noise From the Maker of heaven and hell, My heart therewith so did rejoice That the mirth thereof can no tongue tell, Nor hand with pen subscribe. I thank that Lord and King of might, Though all my lust through age be worn, That I shall see this glorious sight. Blessed be the hour that thou wast born, This day that ever I do abide. Now to receive this King of peace That out of danger shall us release. Our high merits shall he increase In joy abundantly; For here keep I no more bliss, But that he mark me for one of his, And then, when his sweet will is, Am I even ready to die. Now, clerks, come forth and do your office, And this altar hastily that ye array; For here shall be the solemnest sacrifice That ever was seen in Judae. Anna, sister, go ye with me For to receive that prince of honour And him to welcome reverently, As of this world lord and governor. ANNA Now, father Simeon, I am obedient Your gracious pleasure for to obey, To serve that Lord which is omnipotent. Let us go meet him on the way SIMEON Sirs, come forth apace And merrily the bells ring. Then let me see with heart and tongue How merrily that ye can sing. Bells. Singing Here they come down with procession to meet them MARY Hail, sovereign Simeon so good! My seemly son here I bring to thee To offer him up in flesh and blood, As by the law he ought to be. SIMEON Now holy Mary, and Joseph also, Ye be right welcome unto this place; For of God are ye blessed both two That hath you grounded in such grace. JOSEPH Now gentle bishop, I thee pray, Even the very truth thou wouldst me say, Is not this a pretty boy As ever thou hast known? Now, by him that made both heaven and hell, This little mite I love as well As though he were mine own. MARY Receive him, Simeon, with good cheer; The law will it shall so be, For which cause I bring him here; Here in thy hand take him to thee. SIMEON Now welcome, Lord of honour! Now welcome, Prince, unto this place! Welcome, our sovereign Saviour! Welcome, the ground of our grace! Welcome, our joy, welcome, our mirth! Welcome, our gracious governor! Welcome to us, that heavenly flower! Now blessed be the day and hour Of thy glorious birth! ANNA Now welcome, King of kings all! Now welcome, Maker of all mankind! Welcome to us, both great and small. Good Lord, thy servants now have in mind That long hath lived here, In cleanness pure, without offence, With great desire for to be hence; But now the sight of thy presence Hath amended all our cheer. SIMEON On, on with me, my friends dear, With this child that we have here, Of this world the lantern clear Of whom all light shall spring! With whole hearts now let us praise! That hour and time now bless we may That ever we abode the day Of this child’s coming. Singing Here Simeon goeth to the altar with the child in his arms Songs Song I As I rode out this enders night, Of three jolly shepherds I saw a sight, And all about their fold a star shone bright; They sang ‘terli, terlow’; So merrily the shepherds their pipes can blow Song II Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child By by, lully, lullay. O sisters two, how may we do For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we do sing By by, lully, lullay. Herod the king in his raging Charged he hath this day His men of might in his own sight All young children to slay. That woe is me, poor child, for thee And ever mourn and say For parting neither say nor sing By by, lully, lullay.