BETHLEHEM
There man was all too marred with sin,
The ass, the ox were bidden in.
Where angels were unmeet to come
These humble entered Holydom.
Their innocent eyes and full of awe
Saw the fulfilment of the law.
There in the stable with the beast
The Christmas Child hath spread His feast.
These gave their bed and eke their board
To be a cradle for their Lord.
Their honey-breath, their tears all mild,
Warmed in the cold the new-born Child.
These His adorers were before
The Kings and Shepherds thronged the door.
And where no angels knelt there kneeled
The innocent creatures of the field.
O simple ones, much honourèd;
He who oppresses you indeed
Oppresses His kind hosts that lay
Once in the stable on the hay.
Katharine Tynan