A Christmas Carol

I.

The shepherds went their hasty way, And found the lowly stable shed Where the Virgin Mother lay: And now they checked their eager tread, For to the Babe, that at her bosom clung, A Mothers song the Virgin Mother sung.

II.

They told her how a glorious light, Streaming from a heavenly throng. Around them shone, suspending night! While sweeter than a mothers song, Blest Angels heralded the Saviors birth, Glory to God on high! and Peace on Earth.

III.

She listened to the tale divine, And closer still the Babe she pressed: And while she cried, the Babe is mine! The milk rushed faster to her breast: Joy rose within her, like a summers morn; Peace, Peace on Earth! the Prince of Peace is born.

IV.

Thou Mother of the Prince of Peace, Poor, simple, and of low estate! That strife should vanish, battle cease, O why should this thy soul elate? Sweet Musics loudest note, the Poets story, Didst thou neer love to hear of fame and glory?

V.

And is not War a youthful king, A stately Hero clad in mail? Beneath his footsteps laurels spring; Him Earths majestic monarchs hail Their friends, their playmate! and his bold bright eye Compels the maidens love confessing sigh.

VI.

Tell this in some more courtly scene, To maids and youths in robes of state! I am a woman poor and mean, And wherefore is my soul elate. War is a ruffian, all with guilt defiled, That from the aged fathers tears his child!

VII.

A murderous fiend, by fiends adored, He kills the sire and starves the son; The husband kills, and from her board Steals all his widows toil had won; Plunders Gods world of beauty; rends away All safety from the night, all comfort from the day.

VIII.

Then wisely is my soul elate, That strife should vanish, battle cease: Im poor and of low estate, The Mother of the Prince of Peace. Joy rises in me, like a summers morn: Peace, Peace on Earth! The Prince of Peace is born!