WHEN Cæsar did the sceptre sway, Of Roman state God’s word did say, That all the world should out of hand, Be taxed by his great command. Noel, noel, we may rejoice To hear the angel Gabriel’s voice—Noel, noel. In David’s city, in Bethlehem, Great store of people thither came, According to the king’s decree, In Jury land taxed to be. Noel, noel, &c. Then Joseph with his virgin bright, Came with the rest at that same tide, And their substance being but small, Could get in the inn no lodging at all. Noel, noel, &c. At length a stable room they had, In which the virgin was full glad; And in that stable so forlorn The world’s Redeemer there was born. Noel, &c. No palace nor a costly inn Was found to put our Saviour in; No costly robes of silver and gold, To wrap Him in as reason would. Noel, &c. No music nor sweet melody, But glorious angels from on high, Declare to shepherds where they lay, That Jesus Christ was born this day. Noel, &c. Thus Jesus Christ, in humble wise, Appeared thus to human eyes; Then may we all both more and less Cast off the bands of wickedness. Noel, &c. Let variance, strife, and all debate, ’Twixt neighbours now be out of date, That peace may spread throughout earth then, There shall be good will with men. Noel, &c. Rejoice, rejoice, in sober wise, And praise the Lord who rules the skies, Who for our sakes thought it no scorn To give command now Christ is born. Noel, &c. XXXIII. SAINT Stephen was an holy man, Endued with heavenly might, And many wonders he did work Before the people’s sight. And by the blessed Spirit of God, Which did his heart inflame, He spared not in every place To preach Christ Jesus’ name. O man, do never faint nor fear, When God the truth shall try, But mark how Stephen for Christ’s sake Was willing for to die. Which doctrine seem’d most wond’rous strange Among the faithless Jews, And for the same despitefully Good Stephen they accused. Before the elders was he brought His answer for to make, But they could not his spirit withstand, Whereby this man did speak. O man, &c.