The first mercy

Ox and ass at Bethlehem

On a night, ye know of them.

We were only creatures small,

Hid by shadows on the wall.

We were swallow, moth and mouse;

The Child was born in our house,

And the bright eyes of us three

Peeped at His nativity.

Hands of peace upon that place

Hushed our beings for a space

Quiet feet and folded wing,

Nor a sound of any thing.

With a moving star we crept

Closer when the Baby slept;

Men who guarded where He lay

Moved to frighten us away.

But the Babe, awakened, laid

Love on things that were afraid;

With so sweet a gesture He

Called us to His company.