One Yule-night, As Abed I Lay

Words by G. R. W. Melody of Der wechter der bliesz an den tag (Nurnberg, A.D. 1542), harmonized by C. W.

Notes and Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, ca. 1919), Carol #91

1. One Yule-night, as abed I lay,
The watch with lantern went his way.
He, blowing loud his horn of buck,
Sung out, “Twelve on the clock is struck;
Good people all,
God rest you merry, one and all!”

2. But, when another hour was flown,
And when again the horn was blown,
Me thought no tune of any bird
Had on land never yet been heard,
For, loud and clear,
The Watchman cried as ye shall hear: -

3. “News! Welcome news I think to tell:
Rejoice, awake and sing Nowell!
For why at Bethlehem this morn
Our Lord God, deigning to be born,
On earth doth dwell.
His name is this, Emmanuel.

4. “Ere daylight in the Eastern skies
I saw a wonder Star arise:
It pointeth to that house afar
Where Jesus and his Mother are.
Man, know thou this:
Yon Virgin's Babe is King of bliss.”

Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, ca. 1919), Carol #91
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

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