Yoolis Night

As I lay on Yoolis Night, alone in my longing,
Methought I saw a well fair sight,
A maid her child rocking.
Lully, lullay, my dear mother, sing lullay.

The maiden would without any song,
Her child to sleep to bring.
The Child, he thought she did him wrong,
And bade his mother sing.
Lully, lullay, my dear mother, sing lullay.

“Sing, now, Mother,” said the Child,
“What shall to me befall
When hereafter I am grown
For so do mothers all.
Lully, lullay, my dear mother, sing lullay.

“Sweet son,” said she, “Wherof should I sing?
I know as yet no more of thee
Than Gabriel's greeting.”
Lully, lullay, my dear mother, sing lullay.

Certainly this sight I saw, this song I heard sing,
As I lay this Yoolis Day, alone in my longing.

Text adapted by the composer from John of Grimestone, 1372
Quoted by Dr Eleanor Parker at http://corymbus.co.uk/as-i-lay-on-yules-night/