O Night, Restful And Deep

For Christmas

Words: O bienheureuse nuit, a French Noel (Basse-Normandie) from Dictionnaire de Noëls.

English Translation by K. W. Simpson.

Music: Traditional (Basse-Normandie) from Dictionnaire de Noëls.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #57, pp. 36-37.

1. O Night, restful and deep
The Babe folded in sleep,
In a poor manger dreameth!
Moonlight softly doth shine,
Around melody streameth:
“He is the Babe Divine!”

2. O Dawn, rosy and shy,
Greet Him where He doth lie,
At the birds' call awaking!
As clouds fleeing from sight,
So all shadows are breaking:
' He is the dark Worlds Light!'

3. Oh Morn, lovely and blest,
Round Him, guarding His rest,
Angels gently are singing:
' Hail Him! Heavenly Dove!'
Their notes joyfully ringing:
' He is the King of Love!'

4. O Day, glorious the hour,
Jesus mighty in power,
Waketh in lowly manger!
He bids sorrowing cease;
Seek Him ever in danger!
He is the sad World's Peace.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #57, pp. 36-37.

Compare: O Night, Peaceful And Blest

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