As Joseph was a-walking

He heard an Angel sing:

"This night shall be the birth time

Our gracious Heavenly King;



He neither shall be born

In housen nor in hall,

Nor in the place of Paradise,

But in an ox's stall."



Allelujah!



"He neither shall be clothed

In purple nor in pall;

But all in fair white linen

As wear sweet babies all.



He neither shall be rocked

In silver nor in gold;

But in a wooden cradle

That rocks upon the mould.



"He neither shall be christen's

In white wine nor in red;

But with the fair spring water

With which we were christ'ned."



As Joseph was a-walking

He heard an Angel sing:

"This night shall be the birth time

Our gracious Heavenly King;



Allelujah!