The following carol has not, I believe, been printed in any of the modern collections; certainly it is not in those of Mr. Sandys and Mr. Wright. It is copied from Ad. MS. Brit. Mus. 15,225, a manuscript of the time of James I. It may, perhaps, bethought appropriate for insertion in your Christmas number. I have modernised the orthography.
A CAROL FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY.
Rejoice, rejoice, with heart and voice,
For Christ his birth this day rejoice.
1.
From Virgin's womb to us this day did spring
The precious seed that only saved man;
This day let man rejoice and sweetly sing,
Since on this day salvation first began.
This day did Christ man's soul from death remove,