ASK MERCY WHILE THOU MAY

This unaccompanied piece sets a text taken from the Middle English ‘Man, Assay’ found in the Selden Carol Book, (Bodleian MS. Arch. Selden B. 26, f. 7v.) The penitential theme is ideal for Lent, (although singable all year round) as it speaks of man’s misdeeds and God’s mercy.

I have chosen to couple this with the ‘Kyrie’, the opening words of the Christian Mass asking, ‘Lord have mercy’ which appears repeatedly, starting with a simple statement in the upper voices and building to an interwoven polyphonic section. I am very drawn to the early medieval concept of the ‘jubilus’, singing with the angels and I like to think that this part of the music conjures images of the choirs of angels in heaven with whom the petitions of the faithful are said to be united as this text is sung.         

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, kyrie eleison.

Man have in mind how here before, for thy misdeeds thou were forsaken, but mercy to give now Christ is born. Ask mercy while thou may.

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison.

In sin thy life if thou hast led, amend it now, be not a-dread, for he his mercy forth hath spread. And God that died upon the rood for thy misdeeds he shed his blood, for his mercy is both full and good.

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, kyrie eleison.

He that thee so dear hath bought, mercy he would that thou sought, if thou seek he nyeth it nought. Ask mercy while thou may.

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, kyrie eleison

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