Through Bethlehem’s city, in Judah it was,

That Jesus and Mary together did pass;

And there they were taxed when thither they came,

For CÆsar Augustus commanded the same.

Now Mary’s full time being come as we find,

She brought forth her first-born to save all mankind.

The inn being full, for this heavenly Guest

No room was there found to lay Him to rest.

Then Mary, blest Mary, so meek and so mild,

Soon wrapt up in swaddlings this heavenly Child;

Contented she laid Him where the oxen did feed!

The great God of Nature approved of the deed.

To teach us humility all this was done,

And learn us from hence haughty pride to shun;

A manger his cradle, though He came from above!

The great God of Mercy, of Peace, and of Love.