When Joseph were an old man,
An old man were he,
He courted Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Galilee,
He courted Virgin Mary,
And the Queen of Galilee,
Joseph and Mary
Were walking one day,
"Here are apples and cherries,"
So fair to behold....
Mary spoke to Joseph,
And to Joseph said she
"Joseph, gather me some cherries
For I am with child...."
Joseph flew in anger --
In anger flew he,
"Let the father of the baby
Gather cherries for you!"
Then up spoke lord Jesus,
From his mother's womb,
"Said thou low, low cherry tree;
Bow low down to the ground!
"Then the cherry tree bowed low down!
Low down to the ground!"
And Mary gathered cherries
While Joseph stood around....
Then Joseph took Mary
All on his right knee;
Saying: "What have I done? Lord,
Have mercy on me!"
Then Joseph took Mary
All on his right knee,
"And tell me, pretty baby,
When your birthday will be....
"On the sixth day of January
My birthday will be,
When the stars and the elements
Doth tremble with glee....