Part 34 (1/2)

It is Christ, G.o.ddis Son and Heir.

O G.o.d! that made all creature, How art Thou now become so puir, That on the hay and stray will lie, Among the a.s.ses, oxen, and kye?

O, my dear heart, young Jesus sweet, Prepare Thy cradle in my spreit, And I sall rock Thee in my heart, And never mair from Thee depart

But I sall praise Thee ever moir, With sangis sweet unto Thy gloir; The knees of my heart sall I bow, And sing that richt Balulalow.”{30}

[30]

”Now blessed be Thou, Christ Jesu, Thou art man born, this is true; The angels made a merry noise, Yet have we more cause to rejoice, _Kirieleyson_.

The blessed Son of G.o.d only, In a crib full poor did lie, With our poor flesh and our poor blood, Was clothed that everlasting Good.

_Kirieleyson._

He that made heaven and earth of nought, In our flesh hath our health brought, For our sake made He Himself full small, That reigneth Lord and King over all.

_Kirieleyson._”{32}

[31]

”All my heart this night rejoices, As I hear, Far and near, Sweetest angel voices; 'Christ is born,' their choirs are singing, Till the air Everywhere Now with joy is ringing.

Hark! a voice from yonder manger, Soft and sweet, Doth entreat, 'Flee from woe and danger; Brethren, come, from all doth grieve you You are freed, All you need I will surely give you.'

Blessed Saviour, let me find Thee!

Keep Thou me Close to Thee, Call me not behind Thee!

Life of life, my heart Thou stillest, Calm I rest On Thy breast, All this void Thou fillest.”{34}

[32]

”Triumph, ye heavens! rejoice ye with high adoration!

Sing to the Lord, to the Saviour, in glad exultation!

Angels, give ear!

G.o.d unto man hath drawn near, Bringing to lost ones salvation.

King of the Glory! what grace in Thy humiliation!

Thou wert a child! who of old wert the Lord of creation.

Thee will I own, Thee would I follow, alone, Heir of Thy wondrous salvation.

Faithful Immanuel! let me Thy glories be telling, Come, O my Saviour, be born, in mine inmost heart dwelling, In me abide.

Make me with Thee unified, Where the life-fountain is welling.”{36}

[33] A few of the best traditional pieces have been published by Mr. F.

Sidgwick in one of his charming ”Watergate Booklets” under the t.i.tle of ”Popular Carols.” The two next quotations are from this source.