Adam Lay Ybounden is an English carol dating from the 1400s. In medieval theology, Adam was supposed to be “bounden” in limbo with the other patriarchs until Christ’s crucifixion, “four thousand winters.”

1  Adam lay ybounden,
Bounden in a bond:
Four thousand winter
Thought he not too long.

2  And all was for an apple,
An apple that he took,
As clerkès finden
Written in their book.

3  Nè had the apple taken been,
The apple taken been,
Ne had never our lady
Abeen heavenè queen.

4  Blessèd be the time
That apple taken was,
Therefore we moun singen,
Deo gracias!