In Bethlehem city, in Jury it was,

Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,

And there to be taxed with many one more,

For CÆsar commanded the same should be so.

But when they had entered the city so far,

The number of people so mighty was there,

That Joseph and Mary whose substance was small,

Could get in the city no lodging at all.

Then they were constrained in a stable to lie,

Where oxen and asses they used to tie;

Their lodging so simple, they held it no scorn,

But against the next morning our Saviour was born.

The King of all Glory to the world being brought,

Small store of fine linen to wrap him was bought;

When Mary had swaddled her young son so sweet,

Within an ox manger, she laid him to sleep.

Then God sent an angel from heaven so high,

To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,

And bid them no longer in sorrow to stay,

Because that our Saviour was born on this day.

Then presently after the shepherds did spy

A number of angels appear in the sky,

Who joyfully talked and sweetly did sing,

To God be all glory, our Heavenly King.

Three certain wise princes, they thought it most meet,

To lay their rich offerings at our Saviour’s feet;

Then the shepherds consented and to Bethlehem did go,

And when they came thither, they found it was so.