The Cherry-Tree Carol- (Surrey) 1910 Gillington
From: Old Christmas Carols of the Southern Counties 1910 edited by Alice E. Gillington
Thirty to forty years ago the carols of "The moon shone bright" and "God bless you, merry gentlemen" were çung at Christmas at every door in the village by the gypsy children of the Surrey commons; from whom also emanated the Surrey version of the Cherry Tree Carol. To-day it may still be heard, in its Hampshire rendering, among the New Forest gypsy flower-sellers—though hereabouts the door-to-door gypsy carol singing appears to be dying out, their place being largely taken by school and choir boys.
Cherry Tree Carol- From gypsy children of the Surrey commons
1. O Joseph was an old man and an old man was he!
And he courted sweet Mary in the town of Galilee.
2. As Mary was a-walking in the gardens so green,
Where apples and cherries was plenty to be seen.
3. Then up spake sweet Mary, so meek and mild spake she,
"Gather me cherries, Joseph,gather me cherries three."
4. Then up and spake Joseph, these words answered he;
"Gather you cherries for yourself,for you will have none of me?'
5. Then up spake our Saviour, "Bow down to the ground,-
Bow down,thou lofty cherry tree, that my mother may gather some."
6. Then the cherry tree it bended, and the cherry tree it broke,
And Joseph regretted the words that he had spoke.