From Christmas Carolles, A.D. 1550.

Attributed elsewhere to James Ryman, 1492

Source: Harrison S. Morris, ed., In The Yule-Log Glow--Book 3; Christmas Poems from 'round the World. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1900. Project Gutenberg eText # 20586.

IN BETHLEHEM.


In Bethlehem, that noble place,
As by the Prophet said it was,
Of the Virgin Mary, filled with grace.
_Salvator mundi natus est._
Be we merry in this feast,
_In quo Salvator natus est._

On Christmas night an Angel told
The shepherds watching by their fold,
In Bethlehem, full nigh the wold,
"_Salvator mundi natus est._"
Be we merry in this feast,
_In quo Salvator natus est._

The shepherds were encompassed right,
About them shone a glorious light,
"Dread ye naught," said the Angel bright,
"_Salvator mundi natus est._"
Be we merry in this feast,
_In quo Salvator natus est._

"No cause have ye to be afraid,
For why? this day is Jesus laid
On Mary's lap, that gentle maid:
_Salvator mundi natus est._
Be we merry in this feast,
_In quo Salvator natus est._

"And thus in faith find him ye shall
Laid poorly in an ox's stall."
The shepherds then lauded God all,
_Quia Salvator natus est._
Be we merry in this feast,
_In quo Salvator natus est._

Note:

This poem has been the basis for several versions of Christmas hymns. As a starting point, see In Bethlehem That Noble Place and In Bethlehem, That Noble Place.