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Greensleeves

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William Chatterdon Dixs

Version 1 & 2



What child is this, who, lay to rest,

on Mary's lap, is sleeping

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

while Shepards watch are keeping



Chorus



This, this is Christ the King

whom Shepards guard and angels sing

Haste, Haste, to bring him laud,

The babe, the son of Mary



Why lies he in such mean estate

where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear; for sinners

here the silent Word is pleading



Chorus



So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh come,

peasant, King, to own him;

The King of kings salvation brings,

let loving hearts enthrone Him



Chorus

Version 2

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,

To cast me off discourteously

For I have loved you well and long,

Delighting in your company



Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold,

And who but my lady greensleeves



Your vows you've broken, like my heart,

Oh, why did you so enrapture me?

Now I remain in a world apart

But my heart remains in captivity



I have been ready at your hand,

To grant whatever you would crave,

I have both wagered life and land,

Your love and good-will for to have



If you intend thus to disdain,

It does the more enrapture me,

And even so, I still remain

A lover in captivity



My men were clothed all in green,

And they did ever wait on thee;

All this was gallant to be seen,

And yet thou wouldst not love me



Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,

but still thou hadst it readily

Thy music still to play and sing;

And yet thou wouldst not love me



Well, I will pray to God on high,

that thou my constancy mayst see,

And that yet once before I die,

Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me



Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,

To God I pray to prosper thee,

For I am still thy lover true,

Come once again and love me