Words by Dr. John Mason Neale, to the tune of Ave maris stella lucens miserts, a Phrygian Mode Melody found in Piae Cantiones. Harmony by the Editor of this Work.
Notes and Source: 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 #6
1. Earth today rejoices,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Death can hurt no more;
And celestial voices,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Tell that sin is o'er.
David's sling destroys the foe:
Samson lays the temple low:
War and strife are done,
God and man are one.
2. Reconciliation,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Peace that lasts for aye.
Gladness and salvation,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Came on Christmas Day.
Gideon's Fleece is wet with dew,
Solomon is crown'd anew:
War and strife are done.
God and man are one.
3. Though the cold grows stronger,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Though the world loves night,
Yet the days grow longer,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Christ is born our Light.
Now the Dial's type is learnt,
Burns the Bush that is not burnt:
War and strife are done;
God and man are one.
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 #6
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Sheet Music from Rev. J. Freeman Young, ed., Carols For Christmas Tide (New York: Daniel Dana, Jr., 1859), #2
