Page:The Cambridge Carol Book.djvu/22

 'Mid darkness hath the Day-star shined, Exalting men of humble mind,

Who, with the Angels in the sky, Sing, 'Glory be to God on high!'

such (so fantastical) liking not this, Nor any thing honest that anciënt is, Give place to the time, that so meet we do see, Appointed of God, as it seemeth to be.

At Christmas, good husbands have corn in the ground, In barn and in cellar, worth many a pound, Things plenty in house (beside cattle and sheep), All sent them (no doubt on) good houses to keep.

At Christmas, the hardness of winter doth rage, A griper of all things, especially age; Then likely poor people, the young with the old, Be sorest oppressèd with hunger and cold.

At Christmas, by labour is little to get; That wanting, the poorest in danger are set; What season, then, better of all the whole year, Thy needy poor neighbour to comfort and cheer?

happy morn the Maid hath borne The Lord of bliss eternal: That God, who wrought all things from nought, Terrestrial, supernal: Tho' earth but gave this Babe a cave To be, at birth, His dwelling,