Who Is This That Lies All Lowly

"Who Is This?"

For Epiphany

Words: William Chatterton Dix (1837-1865)

Music by Thomas Worsley Staniforth
but no tune name was given.

Source: W. Chatterton Dix, ed., Christmas Carols & Christmas Customs (No publisher, location or date; ca. 1870), #17, p. 4.

1. Who is this? that lies all lowly
    Sleeping in His Mother's arms,
On the breast of Maiden holy,
    Silent, safe from all alarms ;
This is He Who realms supernal
    Left for our Salvation’s sake,
Flesh, the very God Eternal,
    In a Virgin’s womb to take.

2. Spurning all His Father's glory,
    To the plains of earth He speeds ;
Thus, t’ unfold the wondrous story,
    Thus, to measure mortals’ needs ;
Lo! these tiny Hands are holding
    Sceptre which the world shall sway,
Hour by hour, His power unfolding,
    Growing to its perfect Day.

3. Angels, round His bed adoring,
    Sing their Monarch, God made Man ;
Star-led Shepherds come, imploring
    Grace, this Mystery to scan:
Then the Magi, humbly kneeling,
    Incense, gold and myrrh present,
Hidden mysteries revealing
    Of the Christ omnipotent.

4. Still through all the days departed,
    Holy Church has watched that bed,
True and strong and tender-hearted,
    Loyal to her King and Head :
So will I, with best endeavour,
    This poor song of welcome bring,
As the blessed Angels, ever
    Gloria in excelsis sing.

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