As Joseph was a-walking

1. As Joseph was a-walking He heard an angel sing, “This night shall be the birthtime Of Christ, the Heavenly King. 2. “He neither shall be born In housen nor in hall. Nor in the place of Paradise, But in an ox’s stall. 3. “He neither shall be clothed In purple nor in pall, But in the fair white linen That usen babies all. 4. “He neither shall be rocked In silver nor in gold, But in a wooden manger That resteth on the mould.” 5. As Joseph was a-walking, There did an angel sing; And Mary’s child at midnight Was born to be our King. 6. Then be ye glad, good people, This night of all the year, And light ye up your candles, For His star it shineth clear.