The Cambridge Carol Book/In a cavern oxen-trod

by Anatolius (d. 458)

XVI. IN A CAVERN OXEN-TROD

1.In a cavern oxen-trod,
Jesu Christ, Thou liest,
In a manger, very God,
Thou, the Son most highest.

2.There poor herdmen from the fold
Bend the knee before Thee:
There with incense, myrrh and gold,
Eastern kings adore Thee.

3.Now at length is come to pass
That which hath been tolden,
Touching Christ and Christen-mas,
By the prophets olden.

4.Now Angelick hosts aloft
Cleave the sky asunder,
Carolling, in loud and soft,
Songs of glee and wonder.

5.'Glory be to God,' they cry,
'God, who condescendest
To be born; who from on high
Man alone befriendest.'