Words: Translated from the Latin by Rev. Henry R. Bramley
Music: Henry Smart
Source: Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old, Second Series (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., 1871), Carol #22
1. Why, Most Highest, art Thou lying,
In a manger poor and low?
Thou, the fires of heav’n supplying,
Come a stable’s cold to know?
Chorus:
O what works of love stupendous
Were salvation’s price!
Burning wert Thou to befriend us,
Exiles from Paradise.
2. On a Mother’s breast Thou sleepest,
Mother, yet a Virgin still;
Sad, with eyes bedimmed Thou weepest,
Eyes, which Heaven with gladness fill. Chorus
3. Weak the Strong, of strength the Giver:
Small, Whose arms creation span;
Bound, Who only can deliver;
Born is He Who ne’er began. Chorus
Sheet Music from Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1871)
