[1379]Noel:

English Folksong;

Arr. Arthur S. Sullivan, 1874

James Montgomery, 1816

When Jesus left his Father's throne,

He chose an humble birth;

Like us, unhonoured and unknown,

He came to dwell on earth.

Like him may we be found below

In wisdom's path of peace;

Like him in grace and knowledge grow,

As years and strength increase.

Sweet were his words and kind his look,

When mothers round him pressed;

Their infants in his arms he took,

And on his bosom blessed.

Safe from the world's alluring harms,

Beneath his watchful eye,

Thus in the circle of his arms

May we for ever lie.

When Jesus into Salem rode,

The children sang around;

For joy they plucked the palms and strowed

Their garments on the ground.

Hosanna our glad voices raise,

Hosanna to our King!

Should we forget our Savior's praise,

The stones themselves would sing.