If we forgot our flocks, in haste to see the sight

Revealed to us by angel hosts last night,

Was it so strange, when honored thus were we

To be the first of all our race to see,

Worship and welcome to this world the King

Of whom the Prophets old did write and sing?

And so we hastened, sped, and tarried not

Until we found, O, joy! the very spot

Where lay this lily from sweet Paradise,

Angelic beauty there, before our eyes!