I see what you mean, Stower. Thanks for pointing that out. I went to the New Oxford Book of Carols and was disappointed to find only a version from John Jacob Niles, #171, Lullay, thou little tiny child. BUT then I found #40, Lully, lulla, thow little tyne child (The Coventry Carol), and the tune with all its intricacies.

The 1964 Oxford Book of Carols has two versions, one from the 15th-century Pageant of Shearmen and Tailors and the second a modern version of the tune. This (click) looks like it's the same as the "modern arrangement." It's from The English Carol Book, Second Series (1913)

Neither edition of Oxford Book of Carols has chords - but then, would one expect chords in Oxford Book of Carols? Still, it's a fascinating melody with an intriguing chord structure, a truly challenging assignment for our music student. I hope he got a good grade, because I learned a lot from his assignment.

hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com has excellent information on the various versions of this song.

-Joe-

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It's getting late here, so I'm going to resist the temptation to transcribe MIDIs from the Oxford Book of Carols. If someone else would like to do it, I'd be grateful. Just e-mail the MIDI to me and I'll post it as soon as I can - but be aware that I'm very busy until Tuesday. Thanks.
-Joe Offer-
joe@mudcat.org