Hark Around Cherubic Legions

For the Christmas-tide

Words: English Traditional

Music: Not Stated
Meter: 87 87 77

Source: A Selection of Carols, Pieces, and Anthems, Suitable for Christmas. (London: W. Kent and Co.; Penzance: F. Rodda, ca. 1872), p. 29.

Hark around cherubic legions,
...Ushers through the liquid air,
Sound through the ethereal regions,
...See the Son of man appear.
Shepherds be no more forlorn,
Christ in Bethlehem is born.
        Hallelujah, &c.

Soon the Shepherds left the feeding
    Of their milk-white fleecy care,
Straight to Bethlehem proceeding,
    Guided by the orient star.
There the eastern sages meet
Cast their odours at His feet.

Glory, praise, and adoration,
    Every heart and tongue employ,
Glory to his great salvation,
    With seraphic love and joy.
Men and babes incessant cry,
Glory be to God on high.

Note:

The refrain "Hallelujah, &c." is not included in the text. This carol is listed among the collection of ballads, broadsides and chapbooks of Sir Charles Harding Firth, G 67(F), A choice selection of 50 carols and anthems, suitable for the commemoration of the Nativity of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Helston: Printed by Richard Woolcock), but the source does not appear to be online. No other copies of this text has been found to date (Oct. 3, 2017).

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