As Joseph was a-walking

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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.