YULETIDE

In a stable bare, Lo, the great Ones are. Strew the Ivy and the Myrtle Round about the Virgin’s kirtle! Ass and oxen mild Breathe soft upon the Child! Blow the scent of bygone summer On your breath to the New-comer! Be ye well content To be straitly pent Backwards in the rocky chamber From the angel’s wings of amber! Rapt the seraphs sit, With godly faces lit In a radiance shining solely From the Christ-child, meek and holy. High they chant and clear Of the lovely cheer Ring down the new evangels Of the mystic, midnight angels. Faring with good will From the misty hill, Every shepherd sacrificeth To the prophet that ariseth. Joseph, Mary’s spouse, Prince of David’s House, Bendeth low in adorations To the Ruler of the Nations. Who doth sweetly rest On his Mother’s breast, Lord of the lightnings and the thunders! Mary’s heart keeps all these wonders.