Vainly we offer each ample oblation; Vainly with gold would his favour secure: Richer by far is the heart’s adoration! Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. 15. While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around. “Fear not,” said he, (for mighty dread Had seiz’d their troubled mind,) “Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind. “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 your sign: “The heavenly Babe you there shall find, To human view display’d; All meanly wrapt in swaddling-clothes, And in a manger laid.” Thus spake the seraphs, and forthwith Appear’d a shining throng Of angels praising God, and thus Address’d their joyful song: “All glory be to God on high, And on the earth be peace! Good-will henceforth from Heaven to men Begin and never cease!” 16. Here we come a-wassailing, among the leaves so green, Here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen. Chorus—Love and joy come to you, And to your wassail too, And God send you many a happy New-year, A new-year; And God send you many a happy New-year! Our wassail-cup is made of the rosemary-tree, So is your beer of the best barley. We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door, But we are neighbours’ children, whom you have seen before. Call up the butler of this house, put on his golden ring; Let him bring us a glass of beer, and the better we shall sing. We have got a little purse, made of stretching leather-skin; We want a little of your money to line it well within. Bring us out a table and spread it with a cloth; Bring us out a mouldy cheese, and some of your Christmas loaf. God bless the master of this house, likewise the mistress too, And all the little children that round the table go! Good master and mistress, while you’re sitting by the fire, Pray think of us poor children, who are wandering in the mire. 17. ’Twas Jesus the Prince of the kings of the earth, That of Mary, the Virgin, this day was brought forth; Tho’ the world He created, with heaven’s noble frame, To be laid in a manger how joyful He came! Chorus—Glory to Thee, Almighty Jesus! Thy love awakes each tuneful string; Angels and men shall sing thy praises, ’Till heaven’s high court shall loudly ring With hallelujah! glory to our exalted King! Lo! angels descended on that blessed night, To publish the advent with joy and delight; Good-will towards men was the theme of their song, And to God in the highest doth glory belong. Glory to Thee, &c.