I saw a maiden sitting and sing.....OLD CAROL 4

There was mickle (much) melody at that Child's birth,
All that were in heaven's bliss, they made mickle mirth.

The words are 15th century, and the image 100 years or so older than that.   The carol is in two distinct modes intertwined - a narrative about Christ's birth, alongside a lullaby sung by the Virgin Mary.    The musical will notice how the time signature changes as the modes switch back and forward.   4/4 to 2/4 to 3/4.  I know this because I often used to conduct it at this time of year.

St Patrick's Seminary