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 thro' 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