Page:The Cambridge Carol Book.djvu/37

 Then cried the men in wonder,

'What manner man is He,

Whose very word hath under

Control both wind and sea?'

stood in heav'n a linden tree;

But, tho' 'twas honey-laden,

All Angels cried, 'No bloom shall be

Like that of one fair Maiden.'

Sped Gabriel on wingèd feet,

And pass'd through bolted portals

In Nazareth, a Maid to greet

Blest o'er all other mortals.

'Hail Mary!' quod that Angel mild,

'Of woman-kind the fairest:

The Virgin ay shalt thou be styled,

A babe although thou bearest.'

'How shall I bear a child, that ne'er

With wedded man was mated?

Pray tell me now this infant how

Shall He be generated?'

'O Virgin sheen, it shall be seen,

As I announce afore thee:

The Holy Ghost, of virtue most,

Shall cast His shadow o'er thee.