The Cambridge Carol Book/There stood in heaven a linden tree

by Heinrich von Laufenberg

Lady Day

XXXVII. THERE STOOD IN HEAVEN A LINDEN TREE

(Es stot ein lind im himelrich)

1.There stood in heav'n a linden tree;
But, tho' 'twas honey-laden,
All Angels cried, 'No bloom shall be
Like that of one fair Maiden.'

2.Sped Gabriel on wingèd feet,
And pass'd through bolted portals
In Nazareth, a Maid to greet
Blest o'er all other mortals.

3.'Hail Mary!' quod that Angel mild,
'Of woman-kind the fairest:
The Virgin ay shalt thou be styled,
A babe although thou bearest.'

4.'How shall I bear a child, that ne'er
With wedded man was mated?
Pray tell me now this infant how
Shall He be generated?'

5.'O Virgin sheen, it shall be seen,
As I announce afore thee:
The Holy Ghost, of virtue most,
Shall cast His shadow o'er thee.

6.'So be it!' God's hand-maiden cried,
'According to thy telling.'
Whereon the Angel smartly hied
Up home-ward to his dwelling.

7.This tiding fill'd his mates with glee:
'Twas pass'd from one to other,
That 'twas Marie, and none but she,
And God would call her Mother.