The Noble Stem of Jesse
This is an English version of the German carol "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" that 1st appeared in print in the 16th Century.
The Noble Stem of Jesse
Christmas Carol
1. The noble stem of Jesse
Hath flowered at this tide:
Rejoice, good Christian people,
Rejoice ye far and wide:
In Mary see the stem;
And who the flower but Jesus,
The Babe of Bethlehem?
2. This flower the Prophet Esay
Foresaw and did foretell,
Born of the Virgin-Mother;
And man should love her well.
Yet, stem, to flower give place,
For from the same both angels
And man derive solace.
3. He is the modest field-flower
That in our vale is seen:
Or like the snow-white lily
Amid the briers keen:
No rose so sweet and fair;
No perfume aromatic
Can with His Name compare.
4. This flower with fragrant odour
Doth woo the passer-by,
And fill his very being
With love right wondrously;
Sweet Flower, for thee I sigh;
Thy grace my fainting spirit
Alone can satisfy.
Notes
The melody was harmonized by Michael Praetorius in 1609.
There's an American version of this carol called, Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
This carol can be found in "The Hymns and Carols for Christmas-tide" (London: H. Grice, 1897).
