THIRD PASTOR. Brethren now we be past that fright, And it is far within the night, Full soon will spring the daylight, It draweth full near the tide. Here awhile let us rest, And repast ourselves of the best; Till that the sun rise in the east Let us all here abide. _There the shepherds draws forth their meat and doth eat and drink and as they drink, they find the star and say thus:_ THIRD PASTOR. Brethren, look up and behold! What thing is yonder that shineth so bright? As long as ever I have watched my fold, Yet saw I never such a sight In field. Aha! now is come the time that old fathers hath told, That in the winter's night so cold, A child of maiden born be He would In whom all prophecies shall be fulfilled. FIRST PASTOR. Truth it is without nay, So said the prophet Isaye, That a child should be born of a maid so bright In winter nigh the shortest day, Or else in the midst of the night. SECOND PASTOR. Loved be God, most of might, That our grace is to see that sight; Pray we to Him as it is right, If that His will it be, That we may have knowledge of this signification And why it appeareth on this fashion; And ever to Him let us give laudation, In earth while that we be. _There the Angels sing "Gloria in excelsis Deo."_ THIRD PASTOR. Hark! They sing above in the clouds clear! Heard I never of so merry a quere. Now, gentle brethren, draw we near To hear their harmony. FIRST PASTOR.--Brother, mirth and solace is come us among; For by the sweetness of their song, God's Son is come, whom we have looked for long, As signifieth this star that we do see. SECOND PASTOR. "Glory, gloria in excelsis," that was their song; How say ye, fellows, said they not thus? FIRST PASTOR. That is well said; now go we hence To worship that child of high magnificence, And that we may sing in His presence "Et in terra pax hominibus." _There the shepherds sings "As I out rode," and Joseph saith:_ JOSEPH. Now, Lord, this noise that I do hear, With this great solemnity, Greatly amended hath my cheer; I trust high news shortly will be. _There the Angels sing "Gloria in excelsis" again._ MARY. Ah! Joseph, husband, come hither anon; My child is born that is King of bliss. JOSEPH. Now welcome to me, the maker of mon, With all the homage that I con; Thy sweet mouth here will I kiss. MARY. Ah! Joseph, husband, my child waxeth cold, And we have no fire to warm him with. JOSEPH. Now in mine arms I shall him fold, King of all kings by field and by frith; He might have had better, and Himself would, Than the breathing of these beasts to warm him with.