A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

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,
With glorious saints to dwell in heaven above.

2.

This day to man came pledge of perfect peace,
This day to man came love and unity,
This day man's grief began for to surcease,
This day did man receive a remedy