The Trumpet Carol

For Christmas

Words: Gran Dei, ribon, ribéne, 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 #74, pp. 14-15.

1. TAN-TA-RA! Mighty God! Let me shatter the silence,
    Were it the very last breath I gave Thee of life!
My puny powers, native,
    To flourish on the fife,
Thee on the stirring trumpet
    Proclaim

2. Given this holy day's universal devotion,
    Clarions utter praise, as Thy glories demand,
Grant every land, all ocean
    To quiver to the peal
Sharing the blithe emotion
    I feel.

3. Right on the stroke of time camest Thou to the rescue
    Rescuing what the fiend had contended to mar:
Thy Mother cast in stable
    Thy poverty, Thy star,
Foil the Abominable
    From far.

4. Chaldean vigilance had its spy-glasses mounted,
    Quick to discern in East how the star was increased,
Rightly surmising early
    Why such a light should spring;
'Lo! He is here, Messiah
    The King.'

5. Thence to Judea come, gave they no peace to any,
    Saying: 'Where is He born, your young King of the Jews?'
Herod the, news o'erhearing,
    In fury froze to ice,
Calling High Councils, craving
    Advice.

6. Meanwhile for better aim to destroy Hope of nations
    Feigning to fear Thy name, and the Magi he sent:
I, too would offer worship,
    So bring me word therefrom
Herod the King, TARARA
    POM POM!

7. O Jesu Christ our cure has cost Thee many phials,
    The heavy trials bought us a royal release
Thy woes eternal comfort.
    Our Christmas shall not cease
Evermore warbling carols
    Of peace.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #74, pp. 14-15.

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