1. On Christes day, I understand,
An ear of wheat of a maid sprang,
Thirty winters on earth to stand,
To make us bread, all to His pay.
A blessed bird, as I you say,
That died and rose on Good Friday.
2. This corn was reapen and laid to ground,
Full sore beaten and faste bound
Unto a pillar with cordes round,
At His finger's ends the blood ran out that day.
A blessed bird, as I you say,
That died and rose on Good Friday.
3. This corn was reapen with great envy
Upon the Mount of Calvary;
Token He shoed on Shere-Thursday,
Maundy He gave to His disciples there.
A blessed bird, as I you say,
That died and rose on Good Friday.
4. Jesu upon His body the Cross bare;
Water and blood came from Him there;
This corn was scourged all in fere;
Till it waxed blood-red.
A blessed bird, as I you say,
That died and rose on Good Friday.
5. A crowne of thorns set on His head,
And He was done on the Rood,
And beaten till His body was bloody-red;
Thus they beat Jesu, our debt to pay.
A blessed bird, as I you say,
That died and rose on Good Friday.