I.
The Little Grey Lamb
Founded upon an old legend
The Little Grey Lamb
A simple tale of long ago,
How the little grey lamb became white as snow.
On Bethlehem's hills on a winter night,
Shepherds kept watch in the cold star-light.
The sheep, safely folded, were fast asleep:
There was nought to trouble their slumber deep.
But one little grey lamb was filled with woe
For he longed to be white as the winter snow.
Then sudden the heavens grew bright like noon,
With a light which was neither of sun nor moon.
And music rained down ineffably sweet,
As the shepherds sprang to their trembling feet.
But the sheep slumbered on through that wonderful night,
Save the little grey lamb who longed to be white.
Then forth from the skies came an angel's voice:
"Good tidings, ye shepherds! God bids you rejoice.
In Bethlehem's inn the Child ye shall see,
Who is born to make all men happy and free."
Then swiftly they journeyed the Christ Child to find,
And the little grey lamb followed closely behind.
From his little white heart rose a timid prayer:
"Is it only for men, O Baby most fair,
Thou hast cleansing from all that is sinful and bad?
Wilt Thou not heal me and make me glad?"
So he followed the shepherds and entered with them,
When they came to the stable of Bethlehem.
They entered, they worshipped, and homeward returned,
While a solemn joy in their bosoms burned:
But the little grey lamb nestled close in the hay,
Quite close to the crib where the Baby lay.
And a tiny hand stole forth from the bed,
And rested awhile on the little lamb's head.
At that touch there passed a wonderful thrill
Through the lamb as he lay by the crib so still:
He felt all his sadness melting away,
As the night mists scatter at break of day.
The little grey lamb in that holy glow
Knew he was white as the driven snow.