"We're seeking for no leaves, Thomas,

But for a friend of thine,

We're seeking for sweet Jesus Christ,

To be our guide and thine."

"Go down, go down to yonder town,

And sit in the gallery,

And there you'll see sweet Jesus Christ, Nailed to a big yew tree."

So down they went to yonder town,
As fast as foot could fall,

And many a grievous bitter tear,
From the virgins' eyes did fall.

"O peace, mother, O peace, mother, Your weeping doth me grieve,

I must suffer this," he said,

"For Adam and for Eve."

"O mother, take you John Evangelist,

All for to be your son,

And he will comfort you sometimes,

Mother, as I have done."

"O come, thou John Evangelist,

Thou'rt welcome unto me,

But more welcome my own dear Son,
Whom I nursed on my knee."

Then he laid his head on his right shoulder,

Seeing death it struck him nigh,—

The Holy Ghost be with your soul,

I die, mother dear, I die."

O the rose, the gentle rose,

And the fennel that grows so green,
God give us grace, in every place,
Το pray for our king and queen.

Furthermore for our enemies all

Our prayers they should be strong,
Amen, good Lord; your Charity
Is the ending of my song.

LAST NIGHT AS I LAY SLEEPING.

[THE old religious belief that a guardian angel was appointed to watch over each bed, and that he occasionally held intercourse with the occupant, here forms the machinery of a Carol. The composition probably dates back several generations. It is now immediately taken from an old Carol-sheet, never before having been included in a collection.]

AST night as I lay sleeping,

When all my prayers were said,
With my guardian angel keeping

His watch above my

head ;

I heard his sweet voice caroling,

Full softly on my ear,

A song for Christian boys to sing,

For Christian men to hear.

"Thy body be at rest, dear boy,

Thy soul be free from sin;

I'll shield thee from the world's annoy,

And breathe pure words within. The holy Christmas tide is nigh,

The season of Christ's birth:

Glory be to God on high,

And peace to men on earth.

"Myself and all the heavenly host
Were keeping watch of old,
And saw the shepherds at their posts,
And all the sheep in fold.
Then told we with a joyful cry,

The tidings of Christ's birth;

Glory be to God on high,

And peace to men on earth.

"He bowed to all his Father's will,

And meek he was and lowly;

And year by year his thoughts were still

Most innocent and holy.

He did not come to strive or cry,

But ever from his birth,

Gave glory unto God on high,

And peace to men on earth.

"Like him be true, like him be pure,

Like him be full of love;

Seek not thine own, and so secure

Thine own that is above.

And still when Christmas tide draws nigh,

Sing thou of Jesus' birth :

Glory be to God on high,