On the Third Day of Christmas . . .

There is no rose of such vertu
As is the rose that bare Jesu.
   Alleluia.

For in this rose conteined was
Heaven and earth in litel space,
   Res miranda.(1)

By that rose we may well see
There be on God in persons three,
   Pares forma.(2)

The angels sungen the shepherds to:
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
   Gaudeamus.(3)

Leave we all this werldly mirth,
And follow we this joyful birth.
   Transeamus.(4)

(1) Marvelous thing!
(2) Of equal form
(3) Let us rejoice!
(4) Let us go across (from worldly to heavenly things)!

– Anonymous, Fifteenth Century