Companions All Sing Loudly

For Christmas

Words: a Basque carol, "Khanta Zagun Guziek"

1. Companions, all sing loudly in praise of Mary dear,
Look up and bear each proudly, the day of days is near.
On high 'twas told this story, that Mary but a maid,
Should bear the King of Glory in lowliness arrayed.

2. Say, Mary of salvation who brought these tidings nigh,
This news of exhaltation, whence comes it us anigh?
The angel Gabriel spake us on entering this house,
That God should not forsake us, but ransom by his cross.

3. Believest thou the angel, Oh Mary tell us true,
What answer gav'st thou Gabr'il of joy for that ye knew?
The Lord of Heaven be praised both now and ever more,
Let songs of joy be raised, come hither and adore.

Also found in Richard Runciman Terry, Old Christmas Carols. Part One. (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, n.d., ca. 1923), #8, p. 11.

Rev. Terry notes: "Words unidentified. Melody Old Basque Carol ("Khania Zagun.")"

There are two differences from the above text:

• Verse 1, Line 1: Companions sing full loudly (vs. Companions all sing loudly).

• Verse 2, Line 1: These tidings high (vs. "nigh)

Terry formats the verses as 8 lines rather than 4 lines, which would make the first verse look like this:

1. Companions, sing full loudly
    In praise of Mary dear,
Look up and bear each proudly,
    The day of days is near.
On high 'twas told this story,
    That Mary but a maid,
Should bear the King of Glory
    In lowliness arrayed.

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