SATB, unaccompanied

NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

The original title appears to have been I syng of a Mayden or As Dew in Aprille. This 15th century carol was popular in its day, although only the words now survive. I chose to use the modern English. However, it is interesting to see the Middle English comparison on the first stanza. (“þ” is the Middle English letter or IPA [ð] – voiced “th” as in “that,” as well as other sounds.)

THE TEXT

He came all so still . . . He cam also stylle
Where his mother was, . . . þer his moder lay
As dew in Apri . . . as dew in aprille,
That falleth on the grass . . . þat fallyt on þe gras.

He came all so still
Where His mother lay,
As dew in April
That falleth on the spray.

He came all so still
To his mother’s bower,
As dew in April
That falleth on the flower.

Mother and maiden
Was never none but she!
Well may [might] such a lady
God’s mother be.