O'ER the silent meadows, O'er the sleeping town, O'er the murmuring forest Pours a radiance down; 'T is a starry splendor Glorifying night; Shepherds, kings, and sages Wonder at the sight. See, O kings and shepherds, Magi from afar, Cradled in a manger, Israel's morning star! And through parted heavens Lo! the angelic throng Voice their adoration In triumphant song. O'er the silent meadows Floats the joyful strain, -- O'er the murmuring forest, List! it comes again: "Glory in the highest!" Hark! O sleeping town, "Peace, good-will," -- the blessing Still on earth comes down. Still the starry wonder Of that long-past night Gleams adown the ages, Filling all with light; And all Nature, joining, Swells the anthem still: "Glory in the highest, On earth, peace, good-will." |