A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell
Ancient Carol

Traditional Melody
Arr. by N. A. M.
Slowly

1.
A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell,
Hath brought forth a Saviour, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam's transgression had wrapped us in.

Chorus
Rejoice and be merry, Set sorrow aside
Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.

2.
In Bethlehem city in Jewry it was,
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxed with many one more.
For Caesar commanded the same should be so.

3.
But when they had entered the city so fair,
A number of people so mighty was there
That Mary and Joseph, whose substance was small,
Could procure in the Inn no lodging at all.

4.
Then they were constrained in a stable to lie,
Where oxen and asses they used there to tie;
Their lodging so simple they held it no scorn,
But against the next morning a Saviour was born.

5.
The King of glory to this world being brought
Small store of fine linen to wrap him was sought;
When Mary had swaddled her young Son so sweet,
Within an ox manger she laid Him to sleep.

6.
Then God sent an angel from heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie, And charged them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day.

7.
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 all glory, our heavenly King."

Page 16
Copyright 1920 by N. A. M.