Page:Our American Holidays - Christmas.djvu/65

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NAHUM TATE

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

"Fear not," said he (for mighty dread   Had seized their troubled mind); "Glad tidings of great joy I bring   To you and all mankind.

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

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find   To human view display'd. All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,    And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith Appear'd a shining throng Of angels, praising God, and thus Address'd their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high.   And to the earth be peace; Good-will henceforth from heaven to men    Begin, and never cease!"