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As Joseph was a-waukin' He heard an angel sing, "This night shall be the birthnight   Of Christ our heavenly King.

"His birth-bed shall be neither   In housen nor in hall, Nor in the place of paradise,    But in the oxen stall.

"He neither shall be rockèd   In silver nor in gold, But in the wooden manger    That lieth in the mould.

"He neither shall be washen   With white wine nor with red, But with the fair spring water    That on you shall be shed.

"He neither shall be clothèd   In purple nor in pall, But in the fair, white linen    That usen babies all."

As Joseph was a-waukin', Thus did the angel sing, And Mary's son at midnight Was born to be our King.