Songs

While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night

		
432
					C.M.

1	While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night, 
	All seated on the ground, 
	The angel of the Lord came down, 
	And glory shone around: 

2	"Fear not!" said he - for mighty dread 
	Had seized their troubled mind-
	"Glad tidings of great joy I bring 
	To you and all mankind. 

3	"To you in David's town, this day 
	Is born of David's line, 
	A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; 
	And this shall be the sign: 

4	"The heavenly babe you there shall find 
	To human view displayed. 
	All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands, 
	And in a manger laid." 

5	Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith 
	Appeared a shining throng 
	Of angels, praising God, who thus 
	Addressed their joyful song; 

6	"All glory be to God on high, 
	And to the earth be peace; 
	Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men 
	Begin,  and never cease!"

					Nahum Tate