Shepherds Why Do Ye Tarry?

For Christmas

Words: A translation by K. W. Simpson of Pastor levate, from the “Laude Spirituali,” 1674.

Music: Italian melody (Chio può mirar) from the “Laude Spirituali,” 1674.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #131, pp. 6-7.

1. Shepherds, Why do ye tarry?
    In yonder lonely stall
Is born today, unto Mary,
    A King above us all.

Chorus:

To the manger, this day O hasten away,
Where the Babe a-sleeping in lowly array.

2. The silver'd rime it gleameth;
    How dark and chill the sky;
Ah! Cold and starkly – it seemeth –
    The Son of God must lie! Chorus.

3. The gentle kine are keeping
    Their quiet watch above:
And all who look on Him sleeping
    Feel His eternal love! Chorus.

4. Arise this happy even
    (And merry be your way.
To Him – the Ruler of Heaven –
    Thy joyful homage pay! Chorus.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #131, pp. 6-7.

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