The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #155986 Message #4129808
Posted By: Felipa
23-Dec-21 - 07:21 PM
Thread Name: Origins:Translating Old English: Cherry Tree Carol
Subject: RE: translation Muire agus Seosamh
I have yet to see a transcription of the Irish language lyrics, but I found a translation at https://www.irishmusicdaily.com/cor-aingli-videos
The lyrics translate as follows:
Wasn’t Joseph holy when he wed Mother Mary? Wasn’t it he who gave a great gift to Eve’s descendents? He refused the yellow gold, and the crown that was David’s, And he preferred to be guiding her, and teaching her knowledge.
One day the couple was walking in the garden, Surrounded by fragrant cherries, apple blossoms and sloes, Mary craved them, and she longed for them immediately, From the strong scent of the apples that were fragrant from the King.
Then spoke the Virgin, in a faint voice: “Pluck for me those jewels that are growing on the tree. “Pluck for me my fill, for I am weak and faint. “God’s work is growing in my womb.”
Then spoke St. Joseph, in an angry voice: “I won’t pluck the jewels; I don’t want your child. “Call on the child’s father; it’s with him you should be forceful.” Then Jesus stirred, blessedly, in her womb.
Then spoke Holy Jesus, sacredly from her womb: “Bow down low there, O witness, O tree!” The tree humbled itself before her, as a witness without delay, And she took her heart’s desire directly from the tree.
Then spoke St. Joseph, as he threw himself on the ground: “I will go to Jerusalem to do penance for my sins.” Then spoke the Virgin, in a blessed voice: “You have been pardoned by the High King for your sins.”
Three months from that day, the blessed infant was born. The three kings came to do honor to the child. Three months from that day, the blessed infant was born In a cold and lowly stable, between a bullock and an ox.