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 had wrapped us in.
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.

In Bethlehem Jewry a city there was,
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there so be taxèd with many one mo,
For Caeser commanded the same should be so.
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.

But when they had entered the city so fair,
A 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.
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.

Then they were 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 on the next morning our Saviour was born.
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.

The King of all kings to this world being brought
Small store of fine Iinen to wrap him was sought
And when she had swaddled her young son so sweet,
Within an ox-manger she laid him to sleep.
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.

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.
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.

Then presently after the shepherds did spy
A number of angels that stood in the sky;
They joyfully talkèd and sweetly did sing.
To God be all glory our heavènly King'
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be ye merry;
Set sorrow aside; Christ Jesus our
Saviour was born at this tide.