A Little Child Came Yester Morning
For Epiphany
Words: Een kindekijn is ons gheboren, Dutch Carol of the 15th Century
Words translated by the Rev. John O'Connor
Music: Traditional Dutch Carol
Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #127, pp. 30-31.
Refrain:
A little Child came yesterday morning to Bethlehem,
And Herod in his rage is burning to murder Him.
1. Three Wizards out
of Orient
Journey to Jerusalem,
Enquiring where to look
for the King of Israel,
We saw before the dawning
His star uprise,
And we are come to worship
Where'er He lies. Refrain.
2. King Herod sore was
troubled
And with him Jerusalem
So Scribes and elders gathered
To take counsel with them.
They said that out of Juda
A Prince should rise
To lead Israel and Juda
Where glory lies. Refrain.
3. Then Herod spoke
them slily
Go seek out that King new-bore
And when ye find Him tell me
That I too may adore.
So came they out from Herod
And lo! The Star
Arose and went before them
To Joseph's door. Refrain.
4. Then entering in
they found Him
The Child and His mother-maid
And falling down adored Him
With solemn tribute paid.
And gold as to their Monarch
And myrrh for grave
With frankincense for priesthood
Such gifts they gave. Refrain.
5. Thereafter in their
slumber
By an angel warning came
Go ye not back to Herod
Nor to Jerusalem.
So by another highway
They hastened home
At once avoiding Herod
And Herod's doom. Refrain.
6. Hell fire flared up
in Herod
And sending he gave command
Kill every boy of two years
In all Bethlehem land.
Thus Bethlehem paid not owning
The new King's state
And playmates went to wait Him
At heaven's gate. Refrain.
Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #127, pp. 30-31.
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