The Cambridge Carol Book/While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night

by Nahum Tate

For other versions of this work, see While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Tate).

XXXIV. WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCH'D THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT

1.While shepherds watch'd 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 heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view display'd,
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.'

5.Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith
Appear'd a shining throng
Of Angels praising God, and thus
Addrest their joyful song:

6.'All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heav'n to men
Begin and never cease.'