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39
50. The holy martyr Stephen
The holy martyr, Stephen, we pray
To be our succour both night and day.
To be our succour both night and day.
1
I shall you tell this ilkë nightOf Saint Stephen, Goddës knight;
He told the Jewës that it was right
That Christ was born of amay.
2
Then said the Jewës with great scornThat God Son might not be born;
Stephen then sayëd: Ye be forlorn
And all that 'lievën in that lay.
3
Now is sprung the well of lifeOf Mary, mother, maiden and wife;
Therefore the Jewës fell in strife
Disputing with Stephen agains his fay.
4
The cursed Jewës at the lastStonës to Stephen they gan cast;
They beaten him and bound him fast
And made his body in foul array.
5
Into the field they led him thoAnd then him followed many a foe;
They grinnëd on him and did him woe;
Them thought they had a noble play.
6
The Jewës that were both stiff and strong,They stonëd him and did wrong,
Great stönes about him sprong,
And sayëd: We thy meed shall pay.
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