For he is the fyrst, this childe so dere,

That of his modyr is born.

But ȝow I offre hym ȝow beforn,

Good Lord, ȝit ȝyf me hym aȝen!

ffor my comforte were fully lorn,

If we xulde longe a-sondyr ben.

Mari leyth the childe on the autere.

Joseph. Sere prest of the temple, now

Have he ffyffe pens unto ȝow,

Oure childe aȝen to take.