THERE man was all too marred with sin, The ass, the ox were bidden in. Where angels were unmeet to come, The humble entered Holydom. Their innocent eyes, and full of awe, Saw the fulfillment of the Law. There, in the stable with the beast, The Christmas Child hath spread His feast. These gave their bed and eke their board To be a cradle for their Lord. Their honey breath, their tears all mild, Warmed in the cold the new-born Child. These His adorers were before The Kings and Shepherds thronged the door. And where no angels knelt there kneeled The innocent creatures of the field. O simple ones, much honoréd; He who oppresses you indeed, Opresses His kind hosts that lay Once in the stable on the hay. |