We've Been Told A Joyful Thing

For Christmas

Words: “On vint de nous aipoutha,” Besançon Noël

Translation by Rev. J. O'Connor

Music: Besançon Noël

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #63, pp. 12-13.

1. We've been told a joyful thing,
    News for all the nations,
Angels have been heard to sing
    Round the shepherd stations,
One intoned the GLORIA,
    Others ALLELUIA;
Peace to all things human;
    War no more for true man.

2. Up and get you quickly there
    Folk of the field and village!
Over to that stable bare
    Up beyond the tillage.
There you'll find a Baby born
    Old before His mother's morn
Young with dewy splendor
    Of his Sire all-tender.

3. Go! in God's name let us go!
    But not empty-handed!
Pete! I see you lying low,–
    These poor folk are stranded.
Go you, get our supper-tin,
    All the food we have is in,
Give To God, have courage,
    While I fetch the porridge.

4. So! We come to pay our vows:
    Hail! God save thee Mary!
Joseph, man of this poor house,
    Fortune seems contrary.
Let us look on Christ the Lord,
    (That was sure the Angel's word)
Swathèd in a manger.
    Welcome Holy Stranger!

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #63, pp. 12-13.

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