THE NATIVITY
First Shepherd.
Hail Thou, Whom the Star heralded,
Comely and tender in Thy bed!
Lady, I bring to His Godhead,
Being but a little Child,
Comely and tender in Thy bed!
Lady, I bring to His Godhead,
Being but a little Child,
A bunch of cherries, smooth and ripe,
Likewise a shepherd's oaten pipe.
He laughs, whilst thou the tears dost wipe,
To see my cherries wild.
Likewise a shepherd's oaten pipe.
He laughs, whilst thou the tears dost wipe,
To see my cherries wild.
Second Shepherd.
Hail, Sovereign Saviour, Who hast sought
Us, by Thy seeking brought to naught!
Wilt take a little bird I caught,
That hath a tuneful throat?
Us, by Thy seeking brought to naught!
Wilt take a little bird I caught,
That hath a tuneful throat?
Sweetest of sweetings, happy this
That thou shouldst greet it with a kiss,
And in Thy sweet hand make its bliss,
And chirrup to its note.
That thou shouldst greet it with a kiss,
And in Thy sweet hand make its bliss,
And chirrup to its note.
Third Shepherd.
Hail, dearest dear, full of Godhead,
Be with me in mine utmost need!
Alack, to see Thee in such weed,
Of pleasant things forlorn!
Be with me in mine utmost need!
Alack, to see Thee in such weed,
Of pleasant things forlorn!
Behold I bring thee but a ball,
The which a child finds good withal.
The which a child finds good withal.
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