Neighbour Mine

For Christmas

Words: Promptement levez-vous ma voisin, Traditional Burgundian Noël
Words Translated by K. W. Simpson

Music: Traditional Burgundian Noël

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #78, pp. 22-23.

1. O rise and come away
                            (Neighbour run!)
Where sleeping safe from danger,
He lieth in a manger,
Who God hath sent to us, His only Son.

Chorus:
Rouse ye! Run a pace!
To behold His sleeping face!
Neighbor let us haste to the cradle.

2. My Lambs I watched this day
                            (Neighbour hear!)
Beside me they were feeding
When on mine ear unheeding
Sweet music rose around me, soft and clear!
…..........................................Chorus.

3. My crook I flung away
                            (Neighbour mine!)
I left my flocks a-grazing
At message so amazing
(Foretold by prophets, promising a sign.)
Chorus.

4. I entered there with joy
                            (Neighbour hear!)
I knelt me down adoring,
My happy heart outpouring
Before my Jesus, innocent and dear.
Chorus.

5. And having prayed awhile
                            (Neighbour mine!)
My humble gifts I showed them –
Around the cradle strowed them,
Before the Mother-maid, and Holy Son.
Chorus.

6. Ah now indeed I know
                            (Neighbour mine!)
Our grief and pain are ended
Through Him who hath descended
To share my sorrow – Neighbor dear – and thine!
Chorus.

7. So poor – so poor! – is He
                            (Neighbour mine!)
O bring thy loving off'ring
Around the cradle proff'ring!
How stark the bed for Majesty so fine!
Chorus.

8. O choose, o choose thy best
                            (Neighbour mine!)
The first fruits of thy growing!
Thy faiest lamb bestowing
On Mary and on Joseph, ever blest!
Chorus.

9. Lo, hell hath lost its power
                            (Neighbour mine!)
The word MESSIAH is winging
Throughout the Heav'ns 'tis ringing!
O run space, to greet the Babe divine!
Chorus.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #78, pp. 22-23.

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