York Guides

XV
THE CHANDLERS’ PLAY

I SHEPHERD

As long as we have herdsmen been,
And kept our cattle in this dale,
So wondrous sight was never seen.

2 SHEPHERD

Ee, no, 'faith, never such a tale,
     I warrant thee.
Some marvel surely does it mean,
     That we shall see.

3 SHEPHERD

An Angel brought us tidings new,
A babe in Bethlem should be born,
Of whom once spake a prophecy true,
And bade us meet him there this morn,
     Of mood so mild.
Now would I give both hat and horn
To find that noble child.

2 SHEPHERD

Him for to find have I no dread;
I will tell you a reason why.
Yon star to that Lord shall us lead.

3 SHEPHERD

Yea, thou sayst sooth; go we thereby,
     Him to honour.
And make our mirth and melody
     With song to seek our Saviour.
     (Et tunc cantant)

I SHEPHERD

Brethren, be ye all blithe and glad,
Here is the borough where we should be.

2 SHEPHERD

In that same steading are we stood,
Therefore I will go seek and see.
Such hap of health never headsmen had;.
Lo, here's the house, and here is he.

3 SHEPHERD

Yea, forsooth this is the place.
      Lo, where that lord is laid
Low in a manger of no grace,
      Right as the angel said.

I SHEPHERD

The Angel said that he should save
The world and all that dwell therein;
So if I should ought after crave,
To worship him I will begin.
Since I am but a simple knave,
Although I come of courteous kin,
Lo, here, such harness as I have
A barren brooch with a bell of tin
At your bosom to be;
And when ye shall wield all,
Good son, forget not me,
     If some good fortune fall.

2 SHEPHERD

Thou son, that shall save sea and sand.
See to me since I have thee sought.
I am over poor to make present
As my heart would, and as I ought.
Two cob nuts here upon a band,
Lo, little babe, what I have brought.
And when ye shall be Lord in land,
Do good again; forget me not.
For I have heard declared
     Of cunning clerks and clean,
That bounty asketh reward ——
     Now know ye what I mean.

3 SHEPHERD

Now look on me, my Lord so dear,
Although I put me not in press.
Ye are a prince without a peer;
I have no present that may you please.
Lo!a horn spoon that I have here,
And it will hold good forty peas,
This will I give you with good cheer:
Such novelty may not displease.
Fare well, thou sweetest swain
      God grant us living long.
And go we home again,
       And make mirth as we gang.