(Medieval origins)

When Joseph was an old man,
An old man was he,
He married Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Galilee.

As Joseph and Mary
Were walking one day:
" Here are apples, here are cherries
Enough to behold. "

Then Mary spoke to Joseph
So meek and so mild:
" Joseph, gather me some cherries,
For I am with child. "

Then Joseph flew in anger,
In anger flew he:
" Let the father of the baby
Gather cherries for thee. "

Then Jesus spoke a few words,
A few words spoke he:
" Let my mother have some cherries;
Bow low down, cherry-tree. "

The cherry-tree bowed low down,
Bowed low down to the ground,
And Mary gathered cherries
While Joseph stood around.

Then Joseph took Mary
All on his right knee:
" O, what have I done?
Lord have mercy on me! "

Then Joseph took Mary all,
All on his left knee:
" O, tell me, little baby,
When thy birthday will be. "

" On the sixth day of January
My birthday will be,
When the stars in the elements
Shall tremble with glee. "