Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. (1863–1944). The Oxford Book of Ballads. 1910.
106106. The Angel Gabriel
T
Was sent to Galilee,
Unto a Virgin fair and free,
Whose name was called Mary:
And when the Angel thither came,
He fell down on his knee,
And looking up in the Virgin’s face,
He said, ‘All hail, Mary!’
Then, sing we all, both great and small,
Noël, Noël, Noël;
We may rejoice to hear the voice
Of the Angel Gabriel.
Mary anon looked him upon,
And said, ‘Sir, what are ye?
I marvel much at these tidings
Which thou hast brought to me.
Married I am unto an old man,
As the lot fell unto me;
Therefore, I pray, depart away,
For I stand in doubt of thee.’
Then, sing, &c.
‘Mary,’ he said, ‘be not afraid,
But do believe in me:
The power of the Holy Ghost
Shall overshadow thee;
Thou shalt conceive without any grief,
As the Lord told unto me;
God’s own dear Son from Heaven shall come,
And shall be born of thee.’
Then, sing, &c.
This came to pass as God’s will was,
Even as the Angel told.
About midnight an Angel bright
Came to the Shepherds’ fold,
And told them then both where and when
Born was the child, our Lord,
And all along this was their song,
‘All glory be given to God.’
Then, sing, &c.
Good people all, both great and small,
The which do hear my voice,
With one accord let’s praise the Lord,
And in our hearts rejoice;
Like sister and brother, let ’s love one another
Whilst we our lives do spend,
Whilst we have space let ’s pray for grace,
And so let my Carol end.
Then, sing, &c.