THE NATIVITY
BENEATH the dark expectant skies, while crowded Bethlehem slept,
Their sleeping flocks in quiet fields the faithful shepherds kept,
When round about them, suddenly, there shone a glorious light,
And in the midst an Angel stood, majestical and bright.
Their sleeping flocks in quiet fields the faithful shepherds kept,
When round about them, suddenly, there shone a glorious light,
And in the midst an Angel stood, majestical and bright.
What mortal eye could look undazed! what mortal ear could hear
The voice most sweet, most terrible in sweetness, without fear!
While on the wide Judean hills the reverent winds were stayed,
Prostrate the humble shepherds fell, for they were sore afraid.
The voice most sweet, most terrible in sweetness, without fear!
While on the wide Judean hills the reverent winds were stayed,
Prostrate the humble shepherds fell, for they were sore afraid.
"Fear not; behold, I bring you joy!" the Angel spake and smiled;
"To you this day in David's town is born the promised Child;
"To you this day in David's town is born the promised Child;
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