The Holy Well (Version 1)

As it fell out on a high holiday,

On a holiday so high,

Sweet Jesus He asked of His own mother dear

If He should go and play.

‘To play, to play, dear Child’ she did say,

‘It’s time that You were gone,

And don’t let me hear of complaint upon You

At night when You come home’.

‘Now go You down to the merry little town,

As far as the Holy Well,

And there You ask the children if they shall play with You,

And You shall play with them’.

‘They say “We are lords’ and ladies’ sons,

And You, the meanest of them all,

You are nothing but mild Mary’s child

Born down in an ox-full stall” ’.

‘You are nothing but mild Mary’s child,

Born down in an ox-full stall;

But You shall be crownèd King of Heaven,

And the ruler above us all’.