Firstpublished:1890 The Musical Times no.574 Description:
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Original text and translations
English text
1. Darkness fell on the weary earth,
Gloom the nations shrouded;
Watchers longed for the wondrous birth,
Hope with fear was clouded;
Suddenly burst the Light of Light!
O fairest Star that gem'd the height,
Leading on to where Jesus lay,
Marvellous Child, the Spring of Day!
Angels sing, we with them
Do greet Thee, Babe of Bethlehem,
Hail! all hail!
2. Sorrow fills the hearts that would hold
Him the Wise Men sought for;
Israel's Love is faint and cold,
Love He sighed and wrought for;
Mightily aid us on our road,
Pure source of Light, to Light's abode,
Palace of Peace, where, undefiled,
Beautiful Mary soothes her Child.
Angels sing, we with them
Do greet Thee, Babe of Bethlehem,
Hail! all hail!
3. Treasures poor are those that we bring,
Yet, kind Child, receive them,
Kneeling low, because Thou art King,
At Thy feet we leave them.
Glittering crowns Thou hast in store
For all who meekly Thee adore;
Bountiful Lord, oh give me one,
Earth's weary journey past and done.
Angels sing, we with them
Would cry in dear Jerusalem,
Hail! all hail!