Stars And Hills So Hoary

For Christmas

Words and Music: Oi! Gau doatsu, Old Basque Carol

Words Translated by the Rev. J. O'Connor

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #94, pp. 6-7.

1. Stars and hills are hoary,
Yet a tender story
Entrances them today
Entrances them today.
Awe bows down the mountains;
Stars, like singing fountains
Shout the praise of clay.

2. In a cave of quiet,
When no soul was nigh it,
And dark was at its noon
And dark was at its noon
For a maiden bower
God's essential Flower
Left His royal throne.

3. Look! our little Brother
Came to Mary Mother
Today at Bethlehem:
Today at Bethlehem:
Hear the shepherds singing
Milk and fleeces bringing
Let us follow them.

4. God becoming creature
Universal nature
Should bed Him at His birth:
Should bed Him at His birth:
Where His mother bore Him
Stone and sky were o'er Him,
Neath Him naked earth.

5. So the Moveless Mover,
Too tremendous Lover
Our heart would circumvent:
Our heart would circumvent:
All is guised as nothing
Babyhood His clothing,
Shall we not relent?

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #94, pp. 6-7.

Editor's Note:

“Hoary” is defined as (1) gray or white with age or (2)  ancient or venerable. In some winter songs we hear the phrase “Hoar frost,” which refers to the white ice crystals deposited on the ground or exposed objects that form on cold clear nights.

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