For the birth of our Saviour, though he was Prince of all,
He could have there no place but a poor oxes stall.
Now the proud may come hither, and perfectly see,
The most excellent pattern of humility;
For, instead of a cradle, deckt with ornaments gay,
Here, the great King of Glory, in a manger He lay.
As the shepherds were feeding their flocks in the field,
The sweet birth of our Saviour unto them was revealed,
By blest angels of glory, who those tidings did bring,
And directed the shepherds to their heavenly King.