Rose window at Reims

A carol for the 4th day of Advent

This is a carol from the early fifteenth century. It probably is based on an earlier carol and given the text may well be from a french song. The use of the term Mystical Rose for Mary dates from 12th Century Renaissance. The interesting thing about the carol is the Latin refrain -which a theological in sentiment or comment on the English verse. It makes it sound like it might come from a chapter or cathedral choir. It was found in Henry VII’s chapel is a version by Dunstable.

1. There is no rose of such virtue
As is the rose that bare Jesu;
    Alleluia.

2. For in this rose contained was
Heaven and earth in little space;
    Res miranda.

3. By that rose we may well see
That he is God in persons three,
    Pari forma.

4. The angels sungen the shepherds to:
Gloria in excelsis deo:
Gaudeamus.

5. Leave we all this worldly mirth,
And follow we this joyful birth;
    Transeamus.

6. Alleluia, res miranda,
Pares forma, gaudeamus,
Transeamus.