/Test Databases/Esther/Carols/mp0764.txt

While shepherds watched 

.i Nahum Tate



.1

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, 

All seated on the ground, 

The angel of the Lord came down 

And glory shone around.



.2

'Fear not' said he,

for mighty dread 

Had seized their troubled mind; 

'Glad tidings of great joy I bring 

To you and all mankind.



.3

'To you in David's town this day 

Is born of David's line 

A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, 

And this shall be the sign.



.4

'The heavenly babe

you there shall find 

To human view displayed, 

All meanly wrapped

in swaddling bands, 

And in a manger laid.'



.5

Thus spake the seraph;

and forthwith 

Appeared a shining throng 

Of angels, praising God,

who thus 

Addressed their joyful song:



.6

'All glory be to God on high 

And on the earth be peace; 

Goodwill henceforth

from heaven to men 

Begin and never cease.' 

.

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