First Shepherd:
Lo, here is the house, and here is He!
Second Shepherd:
Forsooth, it is the same.
Third Shepherd:
Look ye, where the Lord is laid,
Between two beasts, and in a manger,
As the angel said.
(They advance, and kneel before the manger.)
First Shepherd:
Hail, hail, young child
Of a maiden, meek and mild.
Lo, he merries,
Lo, he laughs, my sweeting.
I give Thee my greeting!
Have a bob of cherries!
Second Shepherd:
Hail, goodly Babe!
A bird have I brought
To my Bairn.
Hail, little tiny mop,
I would drink in Thy cup,
Little day star!
Third Shepherd:
Hail, darling dear:
Sweet is Thy cheer;
A ball I bring Thee.
Put forth Thy dall,[17]
Keep and play Thee withal,
Little heavenly light.
Angel chorus:
Holy night, peaceful night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Only one yet wakes and prays,
Looking on with tender gaze
On her heavenly child,
On her heavenly child.
Holy night, peaceful night,
Son of God, Light of Light,
Pure and gentle in thine eyes
All thy wealth of mercy lies
For a world redeemed,
For a world redeemed.
(The Three Kings arrive at the door of the stable.
Joseph advances to meet them.)