"Green Groweth the Holly"
by King Henry VIII

FROM  BL Additional Ms. 31922    

Green groweth the holly, so doth the ivy. Though winter blasts blow never so high, Green groweth the holly. As the holly groweth green     And never changeth hue, So I am, and ever hath been,     Unto my lady true.             Green groweth  .  .  .  etc. As the holly groweth green,     With ivy all alone, When flowerys cannot be seen     And green-wood leaves be gone,               ut supra Now unto my lady     Promise to her I make: From all other only     To her I me betake.               ut supra Adieu, mine own lady,     Adieu, my specïal, Who hath my heart truly,     Be sure, and ever shall. Green groweth the holly, so doth the ivy. Though winter blasts blow never so high, Green groweth the holly.