Good and True, Fresh and New Christmas Carols  

Now let true hearts together twine,  
Where Modesty with mirth doth join,  
And let each Christian weary make  
For jesus Christ our Saviour's sake,  
And for the blessed Saints which died,  
Who are in Heaven deified    woodcut, virgin Mary holding holy infant with two cherubs 
Printed at London by E. P. for Francis Coles, dwelling in the Old-Baily. 1642.   

Good and true, Fresh and New CHRISTMAS CAROLS.  

A Caroll for Christmas day: To the tune of Troy Town.  

THe glorious Son of Heaven is up,  
cicering the clouds or ignorance,  
And for to save our Souls from Hell,  
which by old Adam was our chance;  
True God, a Saviour, Prophet, King,  
From heaven being sent, good news did bring.   

The holy Angel Gabriel came  
to blessed Mary meek and mild,  
Saying all hail, thou full of grace,  
this day thou hast conceived a child,  
A Saviour to all Mankind sure,  
She said, I am a Virgin pure.   

This virtuous Virgin was betrothed  
to righteous Joseph at that time,  
Who then perceiving other swell.  
●ed think that she had done a crime:  
To him the Angel Gabriel said,  
Fear not thy wife, she's a pure Maid.   

At that same time the Emperor  
great tares on his Subjects laid.  
Man Woman, Child, where they were borne,  
must travel, where it must be paid;  
Joseph and Mary then forth went,  
And many a weary step they spent.   

At length to Bethelem they came,  
being a Village that was poor,  
Where as no bed was to be had,  
the Inns as then could hold no more;  
Within an Ore-stall she did lie,  
And yet she took it patiently.   

It pleased God that very morn,  
time came, she should delivered be,  
Where it did j●y her gentle heart,  
her blessed Saviour to see;  
Now was she Mother, Wife, and Maid,  
Who had the Laws of God obeyed,   

No Midwives help she there could have,  
no Swathing bands of Linen pure,  
Nor dandling Nurse's her to help,  
yet she most patiented did endure,  
No golden Robe nor such like things,  
Although he was the King of Kings.   

His Cradle there a Manger was,  
whereas the Ass and Ox did feed,  
But there bright Angels did appear,  
with harmony, as God decreed;  
A glorious Star did then appear  
To certain Shepherds that were near.   

They wondering at this unknown Star,  
at length from heaven a voice they heard,  
Who bid them follow that same light,  
and wished them not to be afeard;  
Saying, in Bethelem this morn,  
A Saviour and a King is borne.   

King Herod hearing of the same,  
was vexed at heart most cruelly,  
Who swore, all Children two years old,  
or under, every one should die;  
And he his bloody Soldiers sent,  
Lo murder each poor Innocent.   

But God his malice to prevent,  
an Angel did to Joseph send,  
And bid him take his Wife and Babe,  
and unto Ae●●ypt Land to w●nd;  
Where seven long years they did remain,  
Till Herods ●●te by death was lane.   

Thus have you heard our Saviour's birth,  
who for our wicked sins did die,  
For to redeem our souls from death,  
to live with him eternally:  
A joyful Christmas to all send,  
And thus my Carol I do end.    

An other for Christmas day. To the tune of All you that are Good fellows.  

ALl you that are good fellows,  
come hearken to my Song,  
I know you do not hate good cheer,  
nor Liquor that is strong,  
I hope there is none here,  
but soon will rake my part,  
Seeing my Master and my Dame,  
says, welcome with their heart.   

This is a time of joyfulness,  
and merry time of yecre,  
When as the rich with plenty stored,  
doth make the poor good cheer;  
Plum-poregde, Roast-beefe, and Minc'd-pies,  
stands smoking on the board,  
With other brave ●arieties,  
our Master doth afford.   

Our Mistress and her cleanly Maids,  
have neatly played the Cooks,  
Me thinks these dishes eagerly  
at my sharp stomach looks;  
As though they were afraid,  
to see me draw my Blade,  
But I revenged on them will be,  
until my stomach's stayed.   

Come fill us o● the strongest,  
small drink is out of date,  
Me thinks I shall far like a Prince,  
and ●it in gallant state;  
This is no Miser's Feast,  
although that things be dear,  
God grant the Founder of this Feast,  
each Christmas keep good cheer.   

This day for Christ we celebrate,  
who was borne at this time,  
For which all Christians should rejoice,  
and I do sing in Rhyme:  
When you have given God thanks,  
unto your dainties fall,  
Heavens bless my Mass●● and my Deign  
Lord bless me, and you all.    

A Caroll for Saint Stevens day. To the tune of, Wigmores' Galliard.  

I Think none here but they have heard  
the malice of the jews,  
And ●ow the Saints of jesus Christ  
they did abuse and use;  
This day for sweet Saint Steven sake  
we now do celebrate,  
Who did profess the faith of Christ,  
for which they did him hate.   

The Word of God so them he taught,  
for which they did him kill,  
Who like a Lamb he then did die,  
and never thought them ill;  
One of Christ's followers was he,  
and first that martir●d was  
After our blessed Saviour  
did suffer on the Cross.   

For they with great affliction  
most utidly did him use,  
They said he sow●d sedition,  
and therefore him accuse;  
Unto a Stake they did him tie,  
both arms and legs with cords,  
Because he told them of their sins,  
they gave him cruel words.   

Like bloody cruel minded men,  
at him they threw huge stones,  
They brus●d his flesh, bear out his brains,  
and breaketh all his bones:  
But ere he died, to heaven above  
he lifted up his ties,  
And prayed to God he would forgive  
his cruel Enemies    

An other merry carrel, for the same day. To the tune of, Bonny sweet Rohin.  

COme mad Boy●s, be glad Boys, for Christmas is here  
And we shall be feasted with jolly good cheer  
Then let us be merry, 'tis Saint S●e●●●s day,  
Let's eat and drink free , her's nothing do pay.   

My Master bids welcame, & so doth my Dame,  
And 'tis yonder smoking dish doch me instant,  
Anon I'll be with you, though, you me, outface,  
For now I do tell you I have time and place:   

I'll troll the bowl to you, them let it go● round,  
My héels are so light they can stand on no groadnd.  
My congue it doth chater. & goes pitter patter,  
Heet's good cheer and strong béer, for I will not flatter.   

And now for remembrance of blessed S. Stephen,  
Let's joy at morn●●●, at noon and at evening,  
Then leave of your lining & fall to mince pies  
I pray take my counsel, be ruled by the wise.    

A Caroll for Saint john's day. To the tune of, Flying fame:  

IOhn signifies the grace of God,  
then unto God let's pray,  
That he will still direct our paths  
and guide us in his way,   

john Baptised Christ in jordan flood,  
true baptism for to take,  
And for to wash away our sins,  
the old law to forsake.   

Herod the King he married  
his Brother Phillip's wife,  
Saint john rebuking him therefore,  
it cost his dearest life,  
He told them 'twas a deadly sin,  
and that it was full evil,  
Then Herod said he was possessed  
by an infernal Devil,   

And strait in Prison him he casts,  
last bound in iron chain●s,  
Where he in hunger, cold and ●oe,  
a many days remains;  
M●ane whi●● the birth day of the King  
it was solemnised,  
But unto john it fatal was,  
for than he lost his head.   

Great banqueting and feasting then  
prepared was that day,  
And several sorts of music sweet  
melodiously did play;  
A dainty Damsel nearly danced.  
which pleased the King so well,  
Which ravished his senses so,  
in love with her he sell.   

Fair dame quoth he ask any thing,  
of me thou shalt it have;  
An't p●●●se your Matesty (she said)  
John Baptists head I crave;  
Which he did grant, and then strait way  
his head to her was brought,  
In a large platter her to please,  
such mischief than she wrought.    

A merry Caroll for the same day. To the tune of, the Kings going to Bulloyne.  

COme bravely on my Masters,  
For here we shall be tasters,  
of curious dishes that are brave and fine,  
Where they that d●e such cheer afford,  
I'll lay my knife upon the board,  
my master and my dame they dor not pine.   

Who i●st will not be merry?  
And sing down down aderry,  
for now it is a time of joy and mirth,  
'tis said, 'tis merry in the Hall  
When as beards they do wa● all,  
God's plen is here, it doth not ●ew a death.   

Let him take all lives longest,  
Come fill us of 〈…〉,  
and I will drink a health to honest John.  
Come pray thee But●●r fill the bow●e,  
And let it round the Table trole  
when that is up I'll tell you more anon.    

A Caroll for Innocents' day. To the tune of, As at none Duleins rested.  

Ghiss was the day when cruel Herod  
heard that jesus Christ was borne,  
(A King, a Saviour and a P●●●het)  
in his Land did chink it scorn;  
Command did give  
He should no● live,  
And more his malice to unfold,  
Straight charge did give,  
No Male should live  
The which were under two years old.   

His bloody Senidiers went to murde●  
each poor filly Innocent,  
But God in Heaven which all things seeth,  
did his malice ●ooue prevent;  
An Angel there  
Then did appear  
To Joseph, and did him command,  
With his dear Mate  
And Baby straight,  
With speed to fly to Egypt Land.   

Now what great ferrour 'twas to Mother's  
children sucking at their breast  
Broody villains with their Poniards,  
from their Mother's nipple wrest,  
In pieces there  
They did them tear,  
And with their Swords they did them hue,  
As 'tis expressed,  
Among the rest,  
King Herod's young son had his due.    

A merry Caroll for the same day. To the tune of, the Spanish Pavin.  

CAst care away, 'tis Holiday,  
This is no time to work, but play,  
With this good chéerd I'll make a fray,  
and mean to fill my belly;  
And quickly for to end the strife,  
I with my spoon and with my knife,  
Do mean to keep a heavy life,  
I tell ye.   

By ere leave good Master and good Dame,  
For this ●●●ent I h●ther came,  
I see here's nothing out of frame,  
and many thankss I give you,  
I here am come as a bold Guest,  
And know I me welcome to your Feast,  
Whereas your love it is expressed  
most freely.   

And now my Friends and Neighbours all,  
Your cheer and beer it is not small,  
And bold'y to your victuals fall,  
by leave, I give you warning;  
I now will drink a full carouse  
Unto the Owners of this house,  
And for our foes care not a Louse;  
nor farthing.    

A Caroll for New-year's day. To the tune of, Green Sleeves.  

THe old year now away is fied,  
The new year it is entered,  
Then let us now our sins down tread,  
and joyfully all appear,  
Let●s merry be this Holiday,  
And let us now both sport and play,  
Hang sorrow, let's cast care away,  
God send you a happy new year.   

For Christ's Circumcision this day we keep,  
Who for our sins did often weep,  
His hands and feet were wounded deep,  
and his blessed side with a Spear,  
His head they crowned then with Thorn,  
And at him they did laugh and scor●e,  
Who for to save our Souls was borne,  
God send us a merry new year.   

And now with New-year's Gifts each Friend,  
Unto each other they do send,  
God grant we may all our lives amend,  
and that the truth may appear;  
Now like the Snake cast off your skin  
Of evil thoughts and wicked sin,  
And to amend this new year begin.  
God send us a merry new year.   

And now let all the company  
In secondly manner all agree,  
For we are here welcome all may see  
unto this folly good cheer;  
I thank my Master and my Dame,  
The which are founders of the same,  
To eat to drink now is no shame,  
God send us a merry new year.   

Come Lads and Lasses every one,  
jack, Tom, Dick, Bess, Mary and jone,  
Let's cut the meat up unto the bone,  
for welcome you need not fear,  
And here for good liquor we shall not lack,  
It will whet my brains & strengthen my back  
This jolly good cheer it must go to wrack,  
God send us a merry new year.   

Come give's more liquor when I do call,  
I'll drink to each one in this Hall,  
I hope that so loud I must not bawl,  
but unto me lend an ear;  
Good fortune to n●y master send,  
And to my dame which is our friend,  
Lord bless us all, and so I end,  
and God send us a happy new year.    

A Caroll for Twelve day. To the tune of, the Lady's fall.  

Mark well my heavy doleful tale,  
for Twelve day now is come,  
And now I must no longer ●ng,  
and say no words but mum,  
For I perforce must take my leave,  
of all my dainty cheer,  
Plum Porridge, Roast Beef, and Mined Pies,  
my strong Ale and my Beer.   

Kind hearted Christmas now adieu,  
for I with thee must part,  
And for to take my leave with thee,  
doth grieve me at the heart:  
Thou wert an ancient housekeeper,  
and mi●th with meat didst keep,  
But thou art going out of town,  
which makes me for to weep.   

God knoweth whether I again  
thy merry face shall see,  
Which to Good-fellows and the Poor  
that was so frank and free,  
Thou lovedst pastime with thy heart  
and eke good company;  
Pray hold me up for fear I swoon,  
for I am like to die.   

Come Butler fill a Brin●ner full,  
to cheer my fainting heart,  
That to old Chrstmas I may drink,  
before he doth departed;  
And let each one that's in this room,  
with me likewise condole,  
And for to cheer their spirits sad,  
let each one drink a bowl.   

And when the same it hath gone round,  
then fall unto your cheer,  
For you do know that Christmas time,  
it comes but once a year;  
But this good draught which I have drank,  
hath comforted my heart,  
For I was very fearful that  
my stomach would departed.   

Thanks to my Master and my Dame,  
that doth such cheer afford,  
God bless them, that each Christmas they  
may furnish thus their board;  
My stomach being come to me,  
I mean to have a bout,  
Intending to eat most hearty,  
good friends I do not flout.    

A merry Caroll for the same day. To the tune of, The Spanish Gipsies.  

COme follow follow me,  
Those that Good fellows be,  
Into the Buttery,  
Our manhood for to try,  
The Master keeps a bounteous house  
And gives leave freely to carouse.   

Then wherefore should we fear,  
Seeing here is store of cheer,  
It shows but cowardice,  
At this time to be nice,  
Then boldly draw your blades and fight  
For we shall have a merry night.   

When we have done this fray,  
Then we will go to play  
At Cards, or else at Dree,  
And be rich in a trice;  
Then let the kneves go● round a pace,  
I hope each time to have an Ac●.   

Come Maids let's want no B●●re  
After our Christmas cheer.  
And I will only crave  
Good Husbands you may have,  
And that you may good houses keep,  
Where we may drink carouses deep.   

A●● when that's speat the day.  
Where Christmas Camb●ls play,  
A● Hotcochles beside,  
And then go to All ●●de,  
With many other pretty ●oyes,  
Men, women, ●outhes, maids, girls, and b●yes.   

Come less dance round the Hall,  
And let's for liquor call,  
Put Apples in the fire  
Sweet Maids I you desire,  
And let a Bowl be spiced well,  
Of nappy stuff that doth excel.   

Twelve days we now have spent  
In mirth and merriment,  
And daintily did far,  
For which we took no care,  
But now I sadly call to mind  
What days of sorrow are behind,   

We must leave off to play,  
To morrow's working day,  
According to each calling,  
Each man must now be falling,  
And ply his business all the year,  
Next Christmas for to eat good cheer.   

No● of my Master kind  
Good welcome I did find.  
And of my loving Mistrife  
This merry time of Christmas,  
For which to them great thanks I give,  
God grant they long together live.    

A modest Caroll for any of the Twelve days, or to be sung at any time of the year.  
To the Tune of, In the merry Maying time.  

A Dozen of good Points I'll give,  
The which will last you while you live.   

1  
One God there is of Glory might,  
One Faith to guide our Souls aright,  
One Truth that Errors do descry,  
One Baptism to know Christians by.   

2  
Two Testaments, the Old and New,  
Where Law and Gospel thou mayst view:  
The first, for Deeds doth Precepts give;  
The other, we by Faith shall live.   

3  
Three Persons in the Trinity,  
One God in perfect Unity,  
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,  
The which doth rule the Heavenly Host.   

4  
Four blessed Sanctified Men,  
For our Salvation, that did Pen  
Our Saviour's Birth, his Life, and Death,  
And how we should be sav●d by Faith.   

5  
Five Senses every Man contains,  
As Governors that rules and reigns,  
Thy Hearing, Seeing, Feeling, Taste,  
And Smelling (Death spoils all at last.)   

6  
Six days thou hast to labour in,  
So merciful thy God hath been,  
Of seven, he doth take but one;  
Oh rob him not, and leave him none.   

7  
Seven Arts and Sciences there are,  
As Rhetoric, and the Grammar,  
With Logic, Music, Geometry,  
Arithmetic, Astronomy.   

8  
Eight persons in the Ark of Noah's  
Were saved, when God the rest destroys,  
For all the World besides were drowned,  
Only those eight he righteous found.   

9  
Nine Muses, like the Heavens nine Spheres;  
To joy each man's inclining ears,  
Cheering each melancholy mind,  
The which to sorrow is inclined.   〈…〉