Now Many A King I Dreaming

For Christmas

Words: A translation by K. W. Simpson of L'Unico Figlio, from the “Laude Spirituali,” 1674.

Music: Italian melody (Maria Vergin beata) from the “Laude Spirituali,” 1674.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #133, pp. 10-11.

1. How many a King, a dreaming,
    Has longed, with vision clear
That One, in human seeming,
    Might sojourn with us here,
(His promises redeeming,
    To save us from all fear.)

2. In Mary's arms a-sleeping
    (Neath Joseph's watchful eye),
To joy is changed our weeping
    For Paradise is nigh!
(The Shepherds softly creeping,
        Lay humble off'rings by!)

3. O Jesu! Leave us never;
Depart not Thou again'
Twist God and Man for ever
    Peace lifeth, thro' Thy pain.
(Now unto God – the Giver –
    We lift our glad refrain!)

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #133, pp. 10-11.

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