The First Day when Christ was Born

Nowell, I thank it a maiden every del.

The first day when Christ was born

There sprung a rose out of a thorn

To save mankind that was forlorn.

I thank it a maiden every del.

In that oxstall the child was found

In poor clothing that child was wound.

He suffered many a deadly wound.

I thank it a maiden every del.

A garland of thorns on his head was set,

A sharp spear to his heart was met;

The people seiden “Take thee that.”

I thank it a maiden every del.

To that pillar he was bounden

To his heart a spear was stungen

For us he suffered a deadly wounden.

I thank it a maiden every del.