XXVII.

THE first nowell the angel did say

Was to three poor shepherds in the fields as they lay;

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,

In a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the east, beyond them far,

And to the earth it gave great light,

And so it continued both day and night.

Nowell, &c.

And by the light of that same star,

Three wise men came from country far;

To seek for a King was their intent,

And to follow the star wherever it went.

Nowell, &c.

This star drew nigh to the north-west,

O’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

And there it did both stop and stay

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Nowell, &c.

Then did they know assuredly

Within that house the King did lie;

One entered in then for to see,

And found the Babe in poverty.

Nowell, &c.

Then enter’d in those wise men three,

Most reverently upon their knee,

And offer’d there, in His presence,

Both gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

Nowell, &c.

Between an ox-stall and an ass,

This child truly there born He was;

For want of clothing they did Him lay

All in the manger, among the hay.

Nowell, &c.

Then let us all, with one accord,

Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord,

That hath made Heaven and earth of nought,

And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Nowell, &c.

If we in our time shall do well,

We shall be free from death and hell;

For God hath prepared for us all

A resting-place in general.

Nowell, &c.