XXVIII. Francis Kinwelmersh

Reioyce, Reioyce, with hart and voice,
In Christe’s byrth this day reioyce.

FROM Virgin’s womb this day did spring

The precious Seede that onely saued man:

This day let man reioyce and sweetly sing,

Since on this day saluation first began.

This day did Christe man’s soule from death remooue,

With glorious saintes to dwell in heaven aboue.

This day to man came pledge of perfect peace;

This day to man came loue and unitie;

This day man’s greefe began for to surcease;

This day did man receaue a remedie

For each offence, and euery deadly sinne,

With giltie hart that erst he wandred in.

In Christe’s flock let loue be surely plaste;

From Christe’s flock let concord hate expell;

Of Christe’s flock let loue be so embraste,

As we in Christe, and Christe in vs may dwell.

Christe is the author of all unitie,

From whence proceedeth all felicitie.

O sing vnto this glittering glorious King;

O praise his name let euery liuing thing:

Let heart and voice, like belles of siluer, ring

The comfort that this day did bring.

Let lute, let shalme, with sound of sweet delight,

The ioy of Christe’s birth this day resight.