Devotional for the Fourth Day of Christmas

December 28th – Fourth Day of Christmas

Ivy, Chief of Trees 
 
Ivy, chief of trees it is, 
Veni coronaberis.

1. The most worthy she is in town,                                     
He that saith other doth amiss;                                        
And worthy to bear the crown;                                        
Veni coronaberis.

2. Ivy is soft and meek of speech,                               
Against all bale she is bliss;                                             
Well is he that may her reach,                                         
Veni coronaberis.

3. Ivy is green with colour bright,                                       
Of all trees best she is;                                                      
And that I prove well now be right,                                     
Veni coronaberis.

4. Ivy beareth berries black;                                              
God grant us all His bliss,                                                   
For there shall we nothing lack:                                      
Veni coronaberis.


Words and Music: Traditional English - Source: William Henry Husk, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868); from a manuscript in the 15th Century.