O, Joseph being an old man truly,
He married a virgin fair and free.
A purer virgin could no man see
Than he chose for his wife and his dearest dear.
They livèd both in joy and bliss;
But now a strict commandment is,
In Jewry-land no man should miss
To go along with his dearest dear.
Unto the place, where he was born,
Unto the Emp’ror to be sworn,
To pay a tribute that’s duly known,
Both for himself and his dearest dear.
And when they were to Bethlehem come,
The inns were full, both all and some;
For Joseph entreated them, every one,
Both for himself and his dearest dear.
Then were they constrainèd presently
Within a stall all night to lie,
Where they did oxen and asses tie,
With his true love and his dearest dear.
The King of all power was in Bethlehem born,
Who wore for our sakes a crown of thorn,
Then God preserve us both even and morn
For Jesus’ sake our dearest dear.
