“I come from heaven to tell
The best nowells that ever befell;
To you thir tidings true I bring,
And I will of them say and sing.
This day to you is born ane child,
Of Mary meek and virgin mild,
That blessed bairn, benign and kind,
Sall you rejoice, baith heart and mind.
My soul and life, stand up and see
What lies in ane crib of tree [wood].
What Babe is that, so gude and fair?
It is Christ, Goddis Son and Heir.
O God! that made all creature,
How art Thou now become so puir,
That on the hay and stray will lie,
Among the asses, oxen, and kye?
O, my dear heart, young Jesus sweet,
Prepare Thy cradle in my spreit,
And I sall rock Thee in my heart,
And never mair from Thee depart
But I sall praise Thee ever moir,
With sangis sweet unto Thy gloir;
The knees of my heart sall I bow,
And sing that richt Balulalow.”[{30}]
“Now blessed be Thou, Christ Jesu,
Thou art man born, this is true;
The angels made a merry noise,
Yet have we more cause to rejoice,
Kirieleyson.
The blessed Son of God only,
In a crib full poor did lie,
With our poor flesh and our poor blood,
Was clothed that everlasting Good.
Kirieleyson.
He that made heaven and earth of nought,
In our flesh hath our health brought,
For our sake made He Himself full small,
That reigneth Lord and King over all.
Kirieleyson.”[{32}]