Bethlehem

Where man was all too marred with sin,

The ass, the ox, were bidden in.

Where angels were unmeet to come

the humble entered Holydom.

Their innocent eyes, all full of awe,

saw the fulfillment of the Law.

There, in the stab-le with the beast

the Christmas Child hath spread His feast.

These gave their bed and eke their board

to be a cradle for the Lord.

Their honey breath their tears all mild

Warmed in the cold the newborn child.

These His adorers were before

the kings and shepherds thronged the door.

And where no angels knelt there kneeled

the innocent creatures of the field.