Motley Words

O The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown

Of all the trees that are in the wood

The holly tree bears the crown

O the rising of the sun

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ

Sweet singing all in choir

The holly bears a blossom

As white as the lily flower

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To be our sweet Saviour

The holly bears a berry

As red as any blood

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To do poor sinners good

The holly bears a prickle

As sharp as any thorn;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

On Chris- y – mas Day in the morn.

O The holly and the ivy

Now they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood,

The holly tree bears the crown.

O the rising of the sun

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ

Sweet singing all in the choir.