The Cherry Tree Carol

Earl: (after Minstrel has eaten) These babes are weary of much Christmassing. Wouldst of thy goodness, ere they go to rest, Sing us a carol, Friend? Minstrel: With right good will. And let you all join in. Ye know the words, I trow Sing high, sing low, sing to and fro. (Sings, "Listen, lordlings, unto . . . 1st and 3rd verses) Minstrel: (rising) And now, this very night, you all shall see A vision glorious of the Christmas-tide, Angels and shepherds and the blessed Babe. (raising his hand in blessing) God bless the master of this house, God bless the mistress, too, And all the little children that round the table go. Curtain WZn THE CHERRY TREE CAROL hen Joseph was an old man, an old man was he, He married Virgin Mary, the Queen of Galilee. As Joseph and Mary were walking one day Here are apples, here are cherries, enough to behold.* Then Mary spoke to Joseph so meek and so mild, "Joseph gather me some cherries, for I am with child." Then Joseph flew in anger, in anger flew he, "Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee." Then Jesus spoke a few words, a few words spoke He, "Let my mother have some cherries, bow low down Cherry Tree." The cherry tree bowed low down, bowed low down to the ground, And Mary gathered cherries while Joseph stood around. Then Joseph took Mary all on his right knee: "O tell me little baby, when Thy birthday will be?" "The sixth day ofJanuary my birthday will be, When the stars in the elements shall tremble with glee." 33 ...