16 First came the lovely lion,
Which Jesus's grace did bring,
And of the wild beasts in the field
The lion shall be king.
17 We'll choose our virtuous princes
Of birth and high degree,
In every sundry nation,
Whereer we come and see.
18 Then Jesus, ah, and Joseph,
And Mary, that was unknown,
They travelled by a husbandman,
Just while his seed was sown.
19 'God speed thee, man,' said Jesus,
'Go fetch thy ox and wain,
And carry home thy corn again
Which thou this day hast sown.'
20 The husbandman fell on his knees,
Even upon his face:
'Long time hast thou been looked for,
But now thou art come at last.
21 'And I myself do now believe
Thy name is Jesus called;
Redeemer of mankind thou art,
Though undeserving all.'
22 'The truth, man, thou hast spoken,
Of it thou mayst be sure,
For I must lose my precious blood
For thee and thousands more.
23 'If any one should come this way,
And enquire for me alone,
Tell them that Jesus passed by
As thou thy seed did sow.'
24 After that there came King Herod,
With his train so furiously,
Enquiring of the husbandman
Whether Jesus passed by.
25 'Why, the truth it must be spoke,
And the truth it must be known;
For Jesus passed by this way
When my seed was sown.