Page:Sibylline Leaves (Coleridge).djvu/287



Shepherds went their hasty way, And found the lowly stable-shed Where the Virgin-Mother lay: And now they check'd their eager tread, For to the Babe, that at her bosom clung, A Mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung.

They told her how a glorious light, Streaming from a heavenly throng, Arround them shone, suspending night! While sweeter than a Mother's song, Blest Angels heralded the Saviour's birth, Glory to God on high! and Peace on Earth.

She listen'd to the tale divine, And closer still the Babe she press'd; And while she cried, the Babe is mine! The milk rush'd faster to her breast: