The Leaves of Life

[Verse 1]
All under the leaves and the leaves of life
I met with virgins seven
And one of them was Mary mild
Our Lord's best mother in heaven

[Verse 2]
O what are you seeking, you seven pretty maids
All under the leaves of life?
We are seeking for no leaves, Thomas
But for a friend of thine

[Verse 3]
Go down, go down into yonder town
And sit in the gallery
And there you'll see sweet Jesus Christ
Nailed to a big yew tree

[Verse 4]
So down they went into yondеr town
As fast as foot could fall
And many a bitter and a grievous tear
From thеm virgins' eyes did fall

[Verse 5]
"O peace mother, O peace mother
Your weeping does me grieve
I will suffer this," he said
"For Adam and for Eve"

[Verse 6]
"How can I my weeping leave
My sorrows undergo
When I see my own true son to die
And sons I have no more?"

[Verse 7]
He laid his head on his right shoulder
Death has struck him nigh
"The Holy Ghost be with your soul
Sweet mother, now I die"

[Verse 8]
O the rose, the gentle rose
The fennel it grows so strong
Amen, dear Lord, your charity
Is the ending of my song