AS LATELY WE WATCHED

As lately we watched
O'er our fields through the night,
A star there was seen
Of such glorious light!
All through the night,
Angels did sing,
In 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 to a queen.
Blest be the hour,
Welcome the morn,
For Christ, our dear Savior
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 fill'd with his fame.

Then shepherds, be joyful,
Salute you liege King;
Let hills and dales ring
To the song that ye sing;
Blest be the hour,
Welcome the morn,
For Christ, our dear Savior,
On earth now is born.

sequenced by Mary Tipton
19th Century Austrian Carol