We Sing Of David's Daughter

For Christmas

Words and Music: Khanta zagun guziek, 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 #99, pp. 16-17.

1. We sing of David's daughter,
    Who bore us Christ the King,
What time great Gabriel taught her
    How God from maid could spring.
        The news of our salvation
            O Mary how did'st thou hear?
        'In Gabriel's salutation,
            All heaven came down here.'

2. What did the Most High tell thee,
    How rang the angel's voice?
'Hail full of grace O maiden,
    The Lord bids thee rejoice.'
        Where wast thou when thou heardest
            The angel Gabriel's word?
        'At home in Galilea,
            Alone before the Lord.'

3. When Gabriel so hailed thee,
    What other word spoke he?
'He said: Thou shalt conceive Him,
    God's Son thy Son shall be.'
        And were you troubled Mary
            When so the angel said?
        'Yes, was I troubled truly
            Concerning maidenhead.

4. O then, what said the angel
    On seeing thee afraid?
'The Holy Ghost will fill thee,
    The power most High o'ershade.'
        And did'st thou then believe Him?
            What answer did'st thou dree?
        'Behold the Lord's handmaiden,
            His will be done in me.'

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #99, pp. 16-17.

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