Come, Rock The Cradle For Him

Lasst uns das Kindlein wiegen

Words by the Rev. G. R. Woodward, in free imitation of the above-named Cradle-song, Köln, A. D. 1619. Melody and harmony from the Psalteriolum Harmonicum, 1642, as given by Bäumker.

Notes and Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1901, Revised and Expanded Edition), Carol #36

1. Come, rock the cradle for Him
Come, in the crib adore Him,
Dull care, I pray you, bury,
And in the Lord make merry.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.

2. Come, rock His cradle lowly,
The throne of God all-holy;
Come worship and adore Him,
And kneel we down before Him.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.

3. Nor come with empty coffer,
But thanks and blessing offer;
Let old and young be merry,
And blithe as bird on berry.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.

4. And sing, for music-number
Will lull the Babe to slumber:
Your strain be sweet and airy,
Like that of blessed Mary.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.

5. Do nothing to annoy Him,
But everything to joy Him;
For sin, by night or morrow,
Would cause Him pain and sorrow.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.

6. So at your hour of dying,
This Babe, in cradle lying,
(For He is King supernal)
Shall grant you rest eternal.
Sweet little Jesu, Sweet little Jesu.

Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #36
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

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