English Folk-Carols/The Holly and the Ivy

by Anonymous

For other versions of this work, see The Holly and the Ivy.

VII.THE HOLLY AND THE IVY.

THE HOLLY AND THE IVY.

1The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

2The holly bears a blossom,
As white as the lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet Saviour.
The rising, etc., etc.

3The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to do us sinners good.
The rising, etc., etc.

4The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn.
The rising, etc., etc.

5The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as any gall.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
The rising, etc., etc.

6The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown.
Of all the trees that are in the wood.
The holly bears the crown.
The rising, etc., etc.