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To MIDI File  

(D.C.M.)

This tune appears in some hymn books as “Gabriel”.

Arrangement of an old tune.



1 While shepherds watched their flocks by
All seated on the ground,                    [night,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
“Fear not!” said he; for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind:
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
2 “To you, in David’s town this day
Is born, of David’s line,
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:
The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands
And in a manger laid.”

3 Thus spake the seraph: and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, and thus
Addressed their joyful song:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease!” Amen.

Nahum Tate, 1652 - 1715.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive | Arthur Sullivan | Hymns

Page modified 15 November 2007

17 August, 2011