And prevyd us pure by hieȝ grace.
Maria. fforsothe, good spowse, I thank hym hyȝly,
Of his good grace ffor our purgacion!
Oure clennes is knowyn ful opynly,
Be vertu of his grett consolacion.
XV. THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
Joseph. Lord, what travayl to man is wrought!
Rest in this werd behovyth hym non;
Octavyan oure emperor sadly hath besought