AS LATELY WE WATCHED
As lately we watch'd o'er our fields thro' the night,
A star there was seen
of such glorious light.
All through the night,
angels did sing,
Carols so sweet
of the birth of a King.
A King of such beauty
was ne'er before seen,
And Mary his mother
so like a queen.
Blessed be the hour,
welcome the morn,
For Christ our dear Saviour
on earth now is born.
His throne is a manger,
His court is a loft,
But troops of bright angels,
in lays sweet and soft,
Him, they proclaim,
our Christ by name,
And earth, sky and air
straight are filled with his fame.
Then shepherds, be joyful;
salute your new King,
Let hills and vales ring
to the song that ye sing.
Blessed be the hour,
welcome the morn,
For Christ our dear Saviour
on earth now is born.
