“I Saw a Maiden” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2016-2017 season’s “Christmas at the Villa” concert and is featured in the album Behold the Star! released in 2018.
I Saw a Maiden
Basque Noël, 15th century
arr. Edgar Pettman (1866-1943)
I saw a maiden sitten and sing:
She lulled a child, a sweete Lording.
Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting.
Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.
This very Lord he made alle thing:
Of lordes the Lord, of kinges the King.
Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting.
Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.
There was mickle melody at that childes birth:
And all in heaven's bliss, they made mickle mirth.
Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting.
Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.
Angels sang that night and saiden to that child:
Now blest be thou and she, both meek and mild.
Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting.
Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.
Pray we to that child and to His mother dear,
His blessing to them that maken now cheer.
Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting.
Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.
