Eloquent Bells In Every Steeple

For Christmas

Words: Jesu ve'n trezelon sai féte, Traditional Burgundian Noël
Translation from La Monnoye by the Rev. J. O'Connor

Music: Traditional Burgundian Noël

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #76, pp. 18-19.

1. Eloquent bells in ev'ry steeple
Scatter good news to all the people:
Jesus is here, our foes to combat,
Satan, and Flesh, and Insolence,
Nothing of ours could make against them;
They had us captive, soul and sense.

2. Ever they smote and thrust and pierced us!
Now on our side He fences featly:
This very day He sends them reeling,
Giddy and faint, they give Him ground.
Even before He moves His powers
Swathed in bands, He winds the round.

3. God's in the day! How fair is freedom!
Mark how His angels know we need 'em
Hither and there with good news laden
Wing they to hovels far or nigh.
Some carol Glory in the highest,
Others descant with clarion cry.

4. Shepherds are tumbling over ploughmen
Swaggering on with lilt and laughter
Ho! Let it hail and blow hereafter!
How should the welkin vex them aught?
All to the stable, hinds and cowmen
Infinite Smallness has them caught!

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #76, pp. 18-19.

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