December 10

"Madonna of the Rose Garden"
by Stefan Lochner, about 1450


King Jesus Hath a Garden
performed by the choir of Clare College, Cambridge

King Jesus hath a garden, filled with divers flow'rs
where I go culling posies gay, all times and hours.

There naught is heard but Paradise bird,

harp, dulcimer, lute, with cymbal,

trump and tymbal, and the tender soothing flute.

The Lily white in blossom there, is Chastity:

the Violet, with sweet perfume, Humility.

The Crown Imperial bloometh too in yonder place,

'tis charity, of stock divine, the flow'r of grace.

Yet, 'mid the brave, the bravest prize of all may claim
The Star of Bethlem-Jesus-bless'd be his Name!

Ah! Jesu Lord, my heal and weal, my bliss complete,

make thou my heart thy garden plot, fair, trim and neat.

That I may hear this musick clear,

harp, dulcimer, lute, with cymbal,

trump and tymbal, and the tender soothing flute.

This is a traditional Dutch carol, entitled "Heer Jesus heeft een Hofken"
from Geestlijcke Harmonie, written in 1633
Translated into English by George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848-1934)