Page:English folk-carols.djvu/63

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LITTLE ROOM.

SECOND PART.

1Another mystery behold!
I'll in the second part unfold;
These worthy poems I have penned
That all good Christians may attend.

2This mystery I do compare
Unto a gallant lady fair,
And a black king, that reigns below,
Who sought this lady's overthrow.

3The black king, having such a spite
Against this gallant lady bright,
Sent forth an order, or decree,
That she to death shall murdered be.

4According to the black king's laws.
Condemned to die this lady was.
When she her sentence came to know
Her tears like fountain streams did flow.

5Now when the lady's death was near,
A young Prince came and said: Don't fear!
For thou shalt not destroyed be;
I'll die myself to set thee free.

6Then straight spake up this same young Prince:
I'm come to stand in her defence;
Upon her be not too severe;
I'll die myself to set her clear.

7Then was it the young Prince's doom
To suffer in this lady's room.
For by these lines I briefly show
That you the mystery may know.

8First with the lady I'll begin;—
It is the soul condemned for sin,
Had not the Prince resigned His breath
To save it from eternal death.

9The black king Satan is, we know,
Who sought the soul to overthrow;
And the young Prince is Christ indeed,
Who on the cross for sin did bleed.

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