This is another
carol that's very well known over here, and will almost always be sung at the
Yuletide mass(es). The words are by
Nathum Tate, written in 1700, and the music is called '
Winchester Old'. Most people seem to lap it up, but it just seems rather
dreary and repetetive. After verse 2 you've forgotten everything but the
staid and
sluggish nature of the beast.
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.
"To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:
"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid."
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high
and on earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to me
begin and never cease."
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