Come, Old And Young

A Carol for Male Voices

For Christmas

Words: Based on a Besançon carol with Gloria, &c., added.

Music: Edgar Pettman

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 42, p. 56.

1. Come, old and young, your carols sing,
Draw nigh, behold your Infant King,
To Him your fairest of off'rings bring.
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

2. An angel sweeping through the sky,
Good news to man bears from on high,
The Babe in lowly cott doth lie.
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

3. The shepherds found the holy spot,
A lamp or touch they needed not,
The ox and ass lay nigh the cot.
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

4. O Holy Babe! The cross Thy crest,
In Mary's arms now laid to rest,
May angel's guard a Child so blest.
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

5. They counted toil for Him as nought,
The best they had they gladly brought,
A kingly blessing all they sought.
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

6. Let all rejoice and sing anew,
The song of old so sweet and true,
'Tis meet for us such works to do.
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Note: Verse six was added, not in the original, according to a note in the text.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 42, p. 56.

Also found in Edgar Pettman, ed., Modern Christmas Carols (London: Weekes & Co., 1892), #5:

Pettman notes: No. V.—For Choir alone; the 1st Tenor may be sung by male Altos, provided the alto part is adequately sustained by the and Trebles. The male quartette should not be sung too loudly. A good effect may be obtained by the Choir and Congregation joining in the chorus—fortissimo. Another version of these words is found in Novello's collection of Christmas Carols New and Old.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols