A FRENCH NOËL. (TRANSLATED FROM GUI BARÔZAI.) I hear along our street Pass the minstrel throngs; On their hautboys, Christmas songs! Ever higher Sing them till the night expire! In December ring Every day the chimes; Loud the gleemen sing In the streets their merry rhymes. Let us by the fire, etc. Shepherds at the grange, Where the Babe was born, Sang, with many a change, Christmas carols until morn. Let us by the fire, etc. These good people sang Songs devout and sweet; While the rafters rang There they stood with freezing feet. Let us by the fire, etc. A French Noël. 53 Nuns in frigid cells At this holy tide For want of something else Christmas songs at times have tried. Let us by the fire, etc. Washerwomen old, To the sound they beat, Sing by rivers cold With uncovered heads and feet. Let us by the fire, etc. Who by the fireside stands Let us by the fire, etc. 5* MASTERS, IN THIS HALL. "To Bethl'em did they go, the shepherds three ; To Bethl'em did they go to see whe'r it were so or no, Whether Christ were born or no To set men free." Masters, in this hall, Hear ye news to-day Brought over sea, And ever I you pray. Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Sing we clear! Holpen are all folk on earth, Born is God's Son so dear. Going over the hills, Through the milk-white snow, Heard I ewes bleat While the winds did blow. Shepherds many an one Sat among the sheep; Nowell, etc. |