In A Cavern Oxen-Trod

Words of December 25 by St. Anatolius (458), translated by George Ratcliffe Woodward, and set to the tune of Een Soudaen had een Dochterken by J. R. Lunn, B.D.

Source: Charles Wood and George Ratcliffe Woodward, The Cambridge Carol-Book, Being Fifty-Two Songs For Christmas, Easter, And Other Seasons (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1924), #16

1. In a cavern oxen-trod,
    Jesu Christ, Thou liest,
In a manger, very God,
    Thou, the Son most highest.

2. There poor herdmen from the fold
    Bend the knee before Thee:
There with incense, myrrh and gold,
    Eastern kings adore Thee.

3. Now at length is come to pass
    That which had been tolden,
Touching Christ and Christen-mas,
    By the prophets olden.

4. Now Angelick hosts aloft
    Cleave the sky asunder,
Carolling, in loud and soft,
    Songs of glee and wonder.

5. 'Glory be to God,' they cry,
    'God, who condescendest
To be born; who from on high
    Man alone befriendest.'

Sheet Music

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