The Cyber Hymnal ‎#7273

7273. What Child Is This?

1. What child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

2. Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.

3. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.

Text Information

• First Line: What child is this who, laid to rest
• Title: What Child Is This?
• Author: William Chatterton Dix (1865)
• Language: English
• Source: The Manger Throne, 1865
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Incipit: 13456 54271 23117
• Key: e minor
• Source: 16th Century English melody
• Copyright: Public Domain