Glad tidings

For Christmas

Melody and words from Dictionnaire de Noëls.

Words: Une vaine crainte

English Translation by K. W. Simpson.

Music: French Noël

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #54, pp. 30-31.

1. Fearfulness and sadness
     Shadoweth thy heart.
Troubled is thy gladness
     Desolate thou art.
          Let thy fears be driven
               Forth for evermore;
          Up into the heaven
               Let thy spirit soar.
                    Alleluia, Alleluia!
                    Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie eleison.
                    Kyrie eleison.

2. Tidings glad I bear thee–
     Faithful ones,draw near!
Tidings to prepare thee
     Happiness is here!
          Greater joy could never
               Come on earth to be,
          'Tis the Lord– the Giver,
               Send this word to thee!
                    Alleluia, etc.

3. Harken then the wonder,
     While I tell to thee
Of a Maiden yonder,
     Cradling on her knee
          Son of God the Father,
               In a lowly stall.
          Listen– while ye gather–
               Faithful people all.
                    Alleluia, etc.

4. Come and see Him faring
     In the manger there
Linger not in caring
     How thy nurslings are
          Come! And see Him sleeping–
               Hasten! Hasten ye!
          For the night is creeping;
               Shepherds, come with me.
                    Alleluia, etc.

5. Over angels reigning,
     God in Majesty!
Humble, uncomplaining –
     Clad in poverty!
          'Tis the great Messiah!
               King of earth and heaven –
          Saving from Hell's fire,
               All who true have striv'n!
                    Alleluia, etc.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #54, pp. 30-31.

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