As I lay upon a night

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An ancient English carol.

Alma redemptoris mater.

As I lay upon a night

My thought was on a berde so bright

Whom men call Mary, full of might,

Redemptoris mater.

To her came Gabriel with light

And said, ‘Hail be thou, blissful wight! [blessed creature]

To be called now art thou dight [prepared]

Redemptoris mater.'

At that word that lady bright

Anon conceived God full of might;

Then men knew well that she hight [was called]

Redemptoris mater.

When Jesu on the rood was pight [fastened]

Mary was doleful for that sight

Til she saw him rise up aright,

Redemptoris mater.

Jesu, who sittest in heaven's light,

Grant us to come before thy sight

With that berde that is so bright,

Redemptoris mater.