Advent 2016, Post #6, Ancient Christmas Carols

Not so ancient in date, but in spirit.  Note the length and complexity of word and thought.

1. When righteous Joseph wedded was
    To Israel's Hebrew maid,
The Angel Gabriel came from Heav'n,
    And to the Virgin said:
Hail, blessed Mary, full of grace,
    The Lord remain on thee;
Thou shalt conceive and bear a Son,
    Our Saviour for to be.

Chorus.
Then sing your all, both great and small,
    Now well, now well, now well;
We may rejoice to hear the voice
    Of the Angel Gabriel.

2. 'Tis wondrous strange, said Mary then,
    I should conceive and breed,
Being never touched by mortal man,
    But pure in word and deed.
The Angel Gabriel thus replied,
    'Tis not the work of man,
But as the Lord in Heav'n decreed,
    Before the world began. Chorus.

3. This Heavenly message she believ'd,
    And did to Jury go;
There three months with her friends to stay,
    God's blessed will to show;
And then return'd to Joseph back,
    Her husband meek and mild,
Who thought it strange his wife should be
    Untouch'd and yet with child. Chorus.

4. Then Joseph he to shun the shame,
    Thought her for to forsake,
But then God's Angel in a dream
    His mind did undertake.
Fear not, just Joseph, this thy wife
    Is still a spotless maid;
And not consent of sin, said he,
    Against her can be laid. Chorus.

5. For she is pure, both maid and wife,
    And mother of God's own heir;
The babe of Heav'n and blessed lamb
    Of Israel's flock so fair.
To save lost man from Satan's fold,
    Which Adam lost by thrall,
When first in Eden Paradise
    Did forfeit by the fall. Chorus.

6. Thus Mary and her husband kind
    Together did remain,
Until the time of Jesus birth,
    As Scriptures doth make plain.
As mother, wife, and virtuous maid,
    Our Saviour sweet conceiv'd;
And in due time to bring us him,
    Of whom we were bereav'd. Chorus.

7. Sing praises all, both young and old,
    To him that wrought such things;
And all without the means of man,
    Sent us the King of Kings;
Who is of such a spirit bless'd,
    That with his might did quell,
The world, the flesh, and by his death,
    Did conquer death and hell. Chorus.