Page:The English hymnal (1906).djvu/82

 Nahum Tate, 1652–1715. HILE shepherds watched their flocks by night,
 * All seated on the ground,

The Angel of the Lord came down,
 * And glory shone around.

2 ‘Fear not,’ said he (for mighty dread
 * Had seized their troubled mind;

‘Glad tidings of great joy I bring
 * To you and all mankind.

3 ‘To you in David’s town this day
 * Is born of David’s line

A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
 * And this shall be the sign:

4 ‘The heavenly Babe you there shall find
 * To human view displayed.

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
 * And in a manger laid.’

5 Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith
 * Appeared a shining throng

Of Angels praising God, who thus
 * Addressed their joyful song:

6. ‘All glory be to God on high,
 * And on the earth be peace;

Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
 * Begin and never cease.’