Select the second image (above) and click the play button to hear the verses 1 and 2 of this arrangement.
 
Zack Stephens' score is in four parts (SATB). There are two verse.
 
The text of this song is adapted from a medieval carol (Jesu fili virginis) attributed to Richard Smert (c1400-c1479) and preserved in the 15th century Ritson Manuscript in the British Library. Smert was a professional musician and sang in the choir of Exeter Cathedral for many years before becoming vicar of Plymtree, Devon in 1435. This is the third of Holst’s Four Old English Carols Op. 20B, published in 1907. Holst preserves the charm and simplicity of the original medieval text while adding his distinctive harmonic and melodic style.