I have researched the meanings to the English Corpus Christi Carol lyrics in both Wikipedia and YeaFoolishMortals blog spot. Apparently the author of the song is Anonymous and was discovered by an apprentice grocer named Richard Hill around 1504. I have read the theories of the song which are both religious and possibly linked to Ann Boleyn. To me the lyrics seem to be about an executed/wounded knight and his lover for religious or battle reasons. Could this be Sir Lancelot or Tristan? If any Historians of this subreddit could shed light on the mystery or recommend any books it would be most appreciated.
Lulley, lully, lulley, lully, The faucon hath born my mak away.
He bare hym up, he bare hym down, He bare hym into an orchard brown.
In that orchard ther was an hall, That was hanged with purpill and pall.
And in that hall ther was a bede, Hit was hangid with gold so rede.
And yn that bede ther lythe a knyght, His wowndes bledyng day and nyght.
By that bedes side ther kneleth a may, And she wepeth both nyght and day.
And by that bedes side ther stondith a ston, “Corpus Christi” wretyn theron.
Well, Anne Boleyn, born in 1501, would have been 3 when it was discovered.
The "mak" or "mate" is certainly first and foremost Christ, with resonances of other imitatio christi, specifically through the Arthurian legend and the Fisher King. My memory may be faulty, but I don't believe either Lancelot or Tristan fit the imitatio Christi model. Christ as spouse is a very old trope in Christianity, one which the Cistercian order brought forward in the twelfth century through typological exegesis of the Song of Songs.
If you expound on your interpretation a bit, I could be of more help.