Tall Bearded Iris 



Of lily, of rose of ryse, 



Of primrose, and of Fleur-de-lys, 



Of all the flowers at my devise. 



That Flower of Jesse* yet bears the price. 



As most of heal 



To slake our sorrows every deal. 



Carol, sung about 1426. 



For his love that bought us all dear, 



Listen, lordlings, that be here, 



And I will tell you in fere 



Whereof came the Fleur-de-lys. 



On Christmas night, when it was cold. 



Our Lady lay among beasts bold. 



And there she bare Jesu, Joseph told. 



And thereof came the Fleur-de-lys. 



Sing we all for time it is; 



Mary has borne the Fleur-de-lys. 



Carol, sung about 1500. 



In allusion to the French standard, "Fleur-de-lis" 

 was sometimes used for "The Kingship of France" — 

 as when the kings of France were allies of the papacy: 



'Tis a goodly match as match can be, 

 To marry the Church and the Fleur-de-lis; 

 Should either mate a straying go. 

 Then each — too late — will own 'twas so. 



*Our Saviour, of the root of Jesse. 



