ll IT) atols. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/oldenglishcarolsOOwins CONTENTS. THE BOAR'S HEAD Traditional. THE ANGEL GABRIEL T. L. L. C. IN BETHLEHEM T. L. L. C. THE HOLLY AND THE IVY . . . Old French. THE FIRST NOEL Traditional. A BABE IS BORN . T. L. L. C. THE CHERRY TREE CAROL . . . Traditional. WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN . . . T. L. L. C. A SUNNY BANK Traditional. COME, REJOICE T. L. L. C. THE HOLY WELL Traditional. The Borders and Initial Letters founded upon the style of Illuminated MSS. of the i^th Century. INTRODUCTION. N the following outlines an attempt has been made to carry out the style of illumination most pre- valent in England during the latter part of the thirteenth century. It is a style at once cha- racteristic and national, being to illumination what that known as Early English is to architecture, only differing the one from the other, as the materials employed require a different mode of expression and combination. In particularizing architecture, the decorator must be named in connection with the limner in stained glass and the worker in stone, who heightened the carved imagery with gold and colour and filled up blank wall spaces with quaint illustrations of sacred and legendary subjects, de- picted in the costume and traditional spirit of the age. To cite a familiar example : The dragon carved in stone, and twined about the capital of the pillar which supports the Abbots' Stall, in the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey, may be found in a hundred varied combinations in the " Vegetius " and other MSS. of the same period; while the canopies, figure subjects, diapers and foliage of a like era, are also reproduced in the painted windows of the Cathedrals of Canterbury, Chartres and Rouen, and in the illuminated pages of contemporary manuscripts. It may be advisable to point out a few of the finest examples of manuscripts of the 13th century, preserved in the British Museum, and to which access is procurable; for, while the difficulties they present for imitation must damp the ardour of the most enthusiastic student, still, if ever there be a desire to excel, it can only be attained by studying the best models, and these are conspicuous for their beauty of design, execution and finish. Perhaps the finest example extant, in which a definite type of this style is first exhibited, may be found in a Psalter now in the British Museum, but formerly in the VI Introduction. library of Archbishop Tennison. Irrespective of its artistic merits, this volume is of great historical interest. It is believed to have been executed in the Convent of the Blackfriars in London, as a wedding gift from Edward I. and Queen Eleanor to their third son, Alonzo, betrothed to Florent, daughter of the Count of Holland. The young Prince died in the August of 1284, immediately after the marriage contract: had been signed. This may account for the incompleteness of the work. For on examination, it is evident that the original artist only executed sixteen pages, and that it was afterwards finished by inferior hands. Subsequently, it came into the possession of Humphrey de Bohen, Earl of Hereford and Constable of England, whose coat of arms is found emblazoned on its pages. The Latin Bible (Bibl. Reg. i.D.i.) is another fine example (date about 1270). The ornamental work is peculiar and somewhat fantastic. A rich green, which characterizes the English school of this period, is largely introduced ; the writing is very minute and delicate. The Vegetius (add. MS. 11698) is one of the most cele- bratedof late 13th century work. It contains no miniatures ; the ornamentation being confined to the initial letters, which occasionally expand into borders. The griffin, under a variety of forms, is the leading motive of decora- tion, combined with leafage of a conventual type, exquisitely drawn and coloured. There is some blue and red pen work introduced into the capitals within the text, and much invention is shewn in the line finishings. If the introduction of miniatures be desired, no better example can be cited than the splendid copy of the Gospels (add. MS. 17341), probably executed in France, and of the same date as the Vegetius. Here again the griffin is introduced into the foliage, in endless variety, while the figure drawing is the perfection of quaintness, finish and individuality. The miniatures are generally placed under canopies, similar in design to those found in the painted glass of a contemporary period, with backgrounds of either burnished gold or diaper work. Another very fine MSS. Bible is preserved in the Advocate's Library at Edinburgh, especially remarkable for the beauty of the figure drawing. Introduction. vu In adapting this style to modern illumination, great latitude must be allowed. The student finds an insur- mountable difficulty in combining the wild outline loveli- ness of Gothic art with modern thought and expression. In the accompanying illustrations, great liberties have been taken, — not from inclination but necessity. Incom- petent to produce a faithful copy of the old, an attempt has been made to base the modern on an imitation of the old, and no scruple has been made in introducing figures and designs taken from early Italian painters, — Giotto, Fra Angelico, Lippi and their imitators. A few practical hints upon colouring may be found ser- viceable. Nothing can compete with vellum as a material to work upon ; but it is somewhat expensive, and good substitutes may be found in vellum drawing — paper, and London boards. But few colours are absolutely necessary. The follow- ing list comprises those most essential ; they should be in tubes or pans, and are known as moist colours : — French Blue, Cobalt Blue, Carmine or Crimson Lake, Vermilion, Chrome Yellow, Gamboge, Emerald Green, Green Oxide of Chromium, Vandyke Brown, Lamp Black, Indian Ink, and Chinese White. For gilding, a composition, called " Water-mat Gold Size," is prepared by Messrs. Winsor and Newton. It is somewhat sticky ; but mixed with an equal part of Ver- milion and a drop of gum water, it forms an excellent medium on which to apply the gold leaf. Mix well together with the palette knife, add a little gall, and dilute with water to the consistency of cream, and paint the part to be gilded. When thoroughly dry, breathe on it, and immediately apply the gold leaf (sold in books) ; press it down with fine wadding and dust off the superfluous particles with a soft camel's hair brush. It may be gently rubbed with an agate when a burnished surface is required. Shell gold is easy of application, and where expense is no object, a safe and pleasant method of gilding. All imita- tions are worthless for permanent work, as time changes them to black. For practice and copying, "Wolff & Sons' Illuminating cake" answers every purpose. Vlll Introduction. Gillott's Lithographic Pens are excellent for outline and scroll work. Lamp black, mixed with a little liquid gum, is the most intense black that can be obtained. A little gall should be added when any colour shows a tendency to greasiness. Great care is required in the outline. All colours must be made opaque by the addition of Chinese White, with the exception of black and vermilion, which contain this essential. The prevailing characteristic of this style of illumination is great precision of outline ; pure flat colour relieved by white, surrounded by a glossy black outline, drawn with decision and clearness. Neither must the fine hair line of white, which uniformly edges all the colours, be forgotten. It is upon this that all the sparkle and jewelled appearance of the illumination depends. Deep blue and pink of a salmon tint, are the colours usually employed as grounds, relieved by delicate markings of white. These white hair line finishings should be executed the last, with a brush, such as is used by the lithographic draughtsman, viz. : a fine sable reduced to a long taper point, by passing a knife round the base of the quill. The materials for illumination, prepared by Messrs. Winsor and Newton, and sold by Mr. Shapcott, can be safely recommended. If further information be required, the student is advised to obtain "A Manual of Illumination," by J. J. Laing, published by the same firm. A. E. G. hi 5 frjlHoaiis -Wan m liana WBrff[M^flrr{(h inirt han/. ana rasp-ma - ry, H m H 1 i: pirau. una nut mas-h^B dp mr^rgfflual 1 ps - Hs in pnn ~ m - at - n . . ♦ It ^[irnit^lypaft in ftttnft Wan ]ff IJAX^f pihn*^'u mith Ittuiii unit ttnnrmm^t e^^T no Mptjnu, uutt my maalTtts lip mrtftii i Cfnopn HI a put aptft opfpj^a ^>^A^ Old English Carols. Cfre boar's 2|eati. This Carol is preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. The collection, of which it is now the sole fragment, was printed by Wynkyn de Wode, at London, in 152 1. A CAROL. "BRINGYNG IN THE BORE'S H E D D E. ^£*APUT apri differo, Reddens laudes Domino. The bore's hedde in hande bring I, With garlands gay, and rosemary ; I praye you all synge merrily. Qui estis in convivio. The bore's hedde, I understande, Is the chefe servyce of this lande, Loke where ever it be fande. Servite cum cantico. Be gladde, lordes, bothe more and lasse, For this hath ordeyned our stewarde, To chere you all this Christmasse, The bore's hedde with mustarde. 2 Old English Carols. The following modernized form of the foregoing Carol is annually sung on Christmas Day, at Queen's College, Oxford. The boar's head in hand bear I, Bedecked with bays and rosemary ; And I pray you, my masters be merry. Quot estis in convivio Caput apri defero, Reddens laudes Domino. The boar's head, as I understand, Is the rarest dish in all this land, When thus bedeck'd with a gay garland. Let us servire cantico, Caput apri defero, Reddens laudes Domino. Our steward hath provided this, In honour of the King of Bliss ; Which on this day to be served is In Regimensi Atrio Caput apri defero, Reddens laudes Domino. ^htWim'B - limh jfflattol. B[naifs-(j pah in if ano bf aijj . B p^prfel roirlf nau,s ana irpBpma - ttu, Y.M I T t r "T 'f f 1- iJi I ' i (iip(iwum(!mas-l'fi[BW mfnnjj^uol'PB-l'ia in rott-ti -tit - a. m jj^foair'a droil in d«oa droit 0( IS rhprffft luifrd ban/ anil tmsrotatiti no proti uou mu, maslrtts hp n^TO uor psHb is runnimu I?p jjgfnaii's droo as )JJ itmopitshmo b Hjp btmbpsl 1 bisH in aU rl|p lano hni rims bpoppd'o rot i d a uau, ga^ono pr us sptroittp raulupo i|tn Old English Carols. 3 Cfje &ngel <£abrteL A popular Carol in the Western Counties. The date of its composition is uncertain. ^ W HE Angel Gabriel from God Was sent to Galilee, Unto a Virgin, fair and free, Whose name was call'd Marie ; And when the Angel thither came, He fell down on his knee, And looking up in the Virgin's face, He said, " All hail Marie!" Then sing we all, both great and small, Noel, Noel, Noel ; We may rejoice to hear the voice Of the Angel Gabriel. Mary anon, looked him upon, And said, " Sir, what are ye ? I marvel much at these tidings Which thou hast brought to me. Married I am, unto an old man, As the lot fell upon me ; Therefore I pray depart away, For I stand in doubt of thee." Then sing, etc. 4 Old English Carols. " Mary," said he, " be not afraid; But do believe in me ; The power of the Holy Ghost Shall overshadow thee. Thou shalt conceive, e'en without grief, As the Lord told unto me ; God's own dear Son from Heaven shall come, And shall be born of thee." Then sing, etc. This came to pass as God's will was, Even as the Angel told ; About midnight, an Angel bright, Came to the Shepherd's fold, And told them then, both where and when Born was the child, our Lord, And all along, this was their song — " All glory be given to God." Then sing, etc. Good people all, both great and small, The which do hear my voice ; With one accord, let's praise the Lord, And in our hearts rejoice ; Like sister and brother, let's love one another, Whilst we our lives do spend ; Whilst we have space, let's pray for grace, So let my Carol end. Then sing, etc. 1 |fMn-0e((Sa-liitl-p( I'tjum sGiob T i PPPff |Vp,wll|a£p tmntP Irnur raHtl ^a^ijp. $Inh iu\]m li^jln ^A Hii--rl|rt| ramp li^i r * F- r. r T T r rorot» 3 1 iun.m i i hail ®H-iiie, #ing lap all, bat(? uttpar aaa maa((,®n-plB^u-pi ]f£n-rl. J U 1 . . 1 — A ■— A ■ — A ^ . ■ . . A aJ- i $ f $ [p man, t-p-jnirp to nrar L l'ljp boirp, Tti» i ,i o fi ptfO-phr-rti — i — I — * — i — i — i , . , i ; ^, 1 * i 1 IH i ^ i full of ult8rp,l^4'ai-tta-l' an ramt-ui no- tag rut. — * — > IBp tap raptf •itn in ^ fp«Bfl\i(n qua 0m-tm-rur L mt-hw t UfZ\ if 't EE 1 EEE ^ p. 6 + ^n^tgtm«u > nijjfjr un aR!iu^p( il' Mil , n rl)p i^pptirtins' lapping H^rtr pulh . hal 1 in Jcjprf|(p(jpm mil 1 !) bpaghi' uut(ur p mr mPTO in rhj# (Vagr , n quo jpjaluahnt nal-ug pg"r. Old English Carols. 7 This Carol is stated to have been taken from "an old broadside,' printed about 1710. It is still popular at Birmingham. /^p^HE holly and the ivy Now both are full well grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown. Chorus — 0, the rising of the sun. The running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, The singing in the quire. The holly bears a blossom, As white as any flower, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our sweet Saviour. O, the rising of the sun, etc. The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To do poor sinners good. 0, the rising of the sun, etc. The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas dav, in the morn. 0, the rising of the sun, etc. 8 Old English Carols. The holly bears a bark, As bitter as any gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all. 0, the rising of the sun, etc. The holly and the ivy, Now both are full well grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown. O, the rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, The singing in the quire. ®ttf piling of rttrgtot^Sfy* i(im - ninj up I'lfp hni{, Ifp ♦ : ♦ pfay-tng nf rffp mpt[-ifli gff-giro, ^r^_^2, J>^ V®n% upai$ a uptttni ifpa a£ any Wnaa [pSflB^tltBl TBlnaitn a£ any tfjptfn <0>n <%i5l , nt^ &ati in Ify mop p^nflg apai$ h batf^ J^g 1 foltftf a# any ga(( i <||flitg fair r #tof rf|psC5 <%|n* ott to tipftpptn ns aft . Old English Carols. 9 It is difficult to fix any date to this popular Carol. It is found included in Davis Gilbert's " Collection of Carols sung in the West of England." z^ ^ HE first Noel the Angel did say, Was unto poor shepherds in fields as they lay ; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, In a cold winter's night when snow was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so continued both day and night. Noel, etc. And by the light of that same star, Three wise men came from countries far ; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. Noel, etc. io Old English Carols. The star drew nigh to the North West, O'er Bethlehem it took its rest, And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay. Noel, etc. Then did they know assuredly, Within that house the King did lie ; One entered in then for to see, But found the Babe in poverty. Noel, etc. Then entered all the wise men three Most reverently upon their knee, And offered there in His presence, Both gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Noel, etc. Now let us all with one accord, Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord, That did make heaven and earth of nought, But with His blood mankind hath bought, Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. firlife as rf|rti lau,, En firfastodirirrnfrg (an, krrp-tng I'ljriit s(|rrp.iinHrula min-fms ninji^rnanfltolimssnhr^ IBmrn is Hi jttu. of Js^ra-rf It tit U|f T ^ I 'I t P l ' 1 1 1 i ll 1 I i py tuo( up ana £afo a J&latt, ^pimnn, in Rjp ^Jagt upuuuo t^m fait, no ro ify pattHj it p,anp uttpal 1 uujjl 1 , 5 bu ponHnnpo lm¥t nou, anh mghfc p 55 By fiaJil 1 of WaT ^amppSatt, 5)f|tlf p 2n TBrtfrlSjraTm Hrar faitt fui Qtrrrtt p tTtrt« hrltt pffJfhSj^SrTe mtitjr'bp aio #fflg, ^(•ott jap , rhaE omtffaaiatt jj§y ma^ m utn ^o M tetma^ hap in typ matming. Old English Carols. ig Come rejoice, all gooti Christians. A Carol of some antiquity, and frequently to be found upon the broadsides published at Christmas. ^j*»OME rejoice, all good Christians, And rejoice now, I pray, For joy our Redeemer Was born on this day, In the city of David, At a cottage so poor ; Then rejoice and be merry, We have blessings in store. Rejoice and be merry, Set sorrows away, Christ Jesus, our Saviour, Was born on this day. Our Lord He was born Of a Virgin most pure, Within a poor stable, Both safe and secure ; He was guarded most safely With Angels so bright, Who told three poor shepherds These things in the night. Rejoice and, etc. 20 Old English Carols. They said, " Be not fearful, But to Bethlehem go ; Then rejoice and be cheerful, For 'tis certainly so ; For a young Son to Mary Is in Bethlehem born, Then rejoice, all good Christians, And cease for to mourn." Rejoice and, etc. And when those three shepherds Did to Bethlehem come, And arrived at the stable, Then in they did run. Where they found blessed Mary With Jesus, her Son ; There they found our Lord sleeping, And thus they begun : Rejoice and, etc. With the sweetest Alleluia The heavens did rejoice, With the Saints and the Angels, And all with sweet voice, Crying, " Glory and honour To our Heavenly King," In the clouds of the air Then this Host they did sing. Rejoice and, etc. 'tJ[ump i[p ; joirp all gunil ( ^ptsi-mna iMnh irp-jcirp noln. IXpran.I^ttjim, atnr)r^-&pi*-mpr L liras btzmitn rlns t f orh |afV anil gpptwp. hah. lin Hip ri- lin^^H-tith^l'BpaM If r H 1 m hup ea ji outt >; frog? I'hinjja i n rtjp mg(|l^/^w^ pjutrt* «nh hp mptnm . «5 hutttt nn frqtg ftiui^-^y^-^v^*^ Old English Carols. 21 CI)e Well. This Carol may be ascribed to the latter half of the Sixteenth Century. On a sheet copy printed during the last Century, it is called " A Carol on Christ's Humility to Sinners." aS it fell out one May morning, And upon a bright holiday, Sweet Jesus asked of His dear Mother, If He might go to play. " To play, to play, sweet Jesus shall go, And to play now get you gone, And let me hear of no complaint, At night when you come home." Sweet Jesus went down to yonder town, As far as the Holy Well, And there did He see as fine children As any tongue can tell. And He said, " God bless you, every one, And your bodies Christ save and see ; Little children, shall I play with you ? And you shall play with Me." But they made answer to Him, " No ! " They were lords' and ladies' sons ; And He was but a maiden's child, Born in an ox's stall. Sweet Jesus turned Him round about, And He neither laugh'd nor smil'd ; But the tears came trickling from His eyes, Like water from the skies. 22 Old English Carols. Sweet Jesus turned Him round about, To his Mother dear home went He, And said, " I have been in yonder town, As after you may see. " I have been down in yonder town, As far as the Holy Well ; And there did I meet with as fine children As any tongue can tell. " And I bid God bless them, every one, And their bodies Christ save and see ; Little children, shall I play with you ? And you shall play with Me. " But then they answered me, ' No ! ' They were lords' and ladies' sons, And I was but a maiden's child, Born in an ox's stall." k ' Though you are but a maiden's child, Born in an ox's stall, Thou art the Christ, the King of Heaven, And the Saviour of them all. " Sweet Jesus, go down into yonder town, As far as the Holy Well, And take away those sinful souls, And dip them deep in hell." " Nay, nay," sweet Jesus mildly said, " Nay, nay, that may not be, For there are too many sinful souls Crying out for the help of Me." O then spake the Angel Gabriel, Upon one sure set steven, 1 "Although you are but a maiden's child, You are the King of Heaven. ' Appointed time. Jjfe ifr foil oat nnr^ay mottnajytii tqura b fa$\ ijo-li jlftorrtjjtsus asRuitflpB 4—* play, noiti art yauaocrj^Inb Irt air urotf of no romplainrjSr muff If iwlfpn yoa romp {jump CJ o^r illfi^rmipjr |a to planjSro plaa^o plBptorrtJrBttB sfoiff go, j^ti to | Iff! tow* Jjpsus airut ileum to tiunarr hmtu. ^la far as tbr Inilu, ^pll. ^qr^GgsS? nn t 'fretfp aid bp? as finr cfrfflqrn , a attti rongar ran ML [ 1'Q jfi nh ]ju(cj|Sain r ®$M>blvtis jinn ppptm one, nh pag boa irs Ctffitt st saiie aan arr. J^ilHp rlnlnnptt sfrall ]j[ plan, niitfy u ( uu , @> jUnn n, an sljall play, toirli @>(g " ■Ij^ ^IlPH taPtiP Imtgg' anil lanips' simp; brflnh toaa bttt a maiflpar. rliiln, [jBnitu in an nr'r. stall. Is ^^iD^s^ g^l