The Song Of A Shepherd-Boy At Bethlehem

Josephine Preston Peabody
Vocal Recording: MP3 / OGG

Source: Elva S. Smith and Alice I. Hazeltine, Christmas In Legend And Story: A Book For Boys and Girls. 1915; Project Gutenberg Etext 11014.

Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary:
    Rest Thee now.
Though these hands be rough from shearing
    And the plough,

Yet they shall not ever fail Thee,
When the waiting nations hail Thee,
Bringing palms unto their King.
    Now--I sing.

Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary,
    Hope divine.
If Thou wilt but smile upon me,
    I will twine
Blossoms for Thy garlanding.
Thou'rt so little to be King,
    God's Desire!
    Not a brier
Shall be left to grieve Thy brow;
    Rest Thee now.

Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary.
    Some fair day
Wilt Thou, as Thou wert a brother,
    Come away
Over hills and over hollow?
All the lambs will up and follow,
Follow but for love of Thee.
    Lov'st Thou me?

Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary;
    Rest Thee now.
I that watch am come from sheep-stead
    And from plough.
Thou wilt have disdain of me
When Thou'rt lifted, royally,
Very high for all to see:
    Smilest Thou?

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols