Shepherds The Day Is Breaking

For Christmas

Words: A translation of the carol Lasciate i vostri alberghi from the “Laude Spirituali,” 1674.

Music: Italian melody (Ecco bella regina) from the “Laude Spirituali,” 1674.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #134, pp. 12-13.

1. Shepherds, the day is breaking,
And now, your huts forsaking,
Hasten with eager wonder
His sleeping face to ponder!
Running with joyous faces,
Merrily blend your paces!

2. Shepherds the Star is leading
To where, for all men's needing,
Jesus our Shepherd liveth:
The Soul's true Food He giveth!
Joseph and Mary guard Him
Homage and Love award Him.

3. Fret not rich gifts to proffer;
Thy first-born lambs to offer –
Treasure beyond thy knowing
The Love thy haste is showing!
Run, with thy heart's outpouring,
Fall at His feet adorning!

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #134, pp. 12-13.

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