Part 19 (1/2)

_3rd Shepherd._ I am ready and yare:[201] go we in fear To that light!

Lord! if thy wills be, We are lewd[202] all three, Thou grant us of thy glee,[203]

To comfort thy wight.

[_The Shepherds arrive at Bethlehem._

_1st Shepherd._ Hail, comely and clean; hail, young child!

Hail, maker, as I mean, of a maiden so mild!

Thou hast wared, I ween, off the warlock[204] so wild, The false guiler of teen,[205] now goes he beguiled.

Lo, he merry is!

Lo, he laughs, my sweeting, A welcome meeting!

I have given my greeting Have a bob of cherries?

_2nd Shepherd._ Hail, sovereign saviour, for thou hast us sought!

Hail freely, leaf and flow'r, that all thing has wrought!

Hail full of favour, that made all of nought!

Hail! I kneel and I cower. A bird have I brought To my bairn!

Hail, little tiny mop,[206]

Of our creed thou are crop!

I would drink in thy cup, Little day-starn.[207]

_3rd Shepherd._ Hail, darling dear, full of G.o.dheed!

I pray thee be near, when that I have need.

Hail! sweet is thy cheer: my heart would bleed To see thee sit here in so poor weed.

With no pennies.

Hail! put forth thy dall!--[208]

I bring thee but a ball Have and play thee with all, And go to the tennis.

_Mary._ The Father of Heaven, G.o.d omnipotent, That set all on levin,[209] his son has he sent.

My name could he neven,[210] and laught as he went.[211]

I conceived him full even, through might, as G.o.d meant; And new is he born.

He keep you from woe: I shall pray him so; Tell forth as ye go, And mind on this morn.

_1st Shepherd._ Farewell, lady, so fair to behold, With thy child on thy knee.

_2nd Shepherd._ But he lies full cold, Lord, well is me: now we go forth, behold!

_3rd Shepherd._ Forsooth, already it seems to be told Full oft.

_1st Shepherd._ What grace we have fun.[212]