To Bethlem Shepherd-brethren Ran

Words of a Greek Stichéron for December 29, translated by G. R. W. Tune of the Courange Jewel, set by Dr. John Bull (c. 1562-1628)

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 #69

1. To Bethlem Shepherd-brethren ran,
Swift o'er coombs or knolls,
To disclose Him, God and Man,
True Shepherd of their souls.

2. That God, who rideth on His car.
Cherubim on high,
Ox and ass His courtiers are,
On earth where He doth lie.

3. To Him, in mortal likeness born
Of the blissful Maid,
All for us, that were forlorn,
By us be homage paid!

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 #69
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

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