AS JOSEPH WAS A-WALKING

As Joseph was a-walkin',
He heard an angel sing,
This night shall be the birthnight
Of Christ our heavenly King.

His birth-bed shall be neither
In housen nor in hall,
Nor in the place of paradise,
But in the oxen's stall.

He neither shall be rocked
In silver nor in gold,
But in the wooden manger
That lieth in the mould.

He neither shall be washen
With white wine nor with red,
But with the fair spring water
That on you shall be shed.

He neither shall be clothed
In purple nor in pall,
But in the fair, white linen
That usen babies all.

As Joseph was a-walkin',
Thus did the angel sing,
And Mary's son at midnight
Was born to be our King.

Mary took her baby,
She dressed Him so sweet,
She laid Him in a manger,
All there for to sleep.

As she stood over Him
She heard angels sing,
"O bless our dear Saviour,
Our heavenly King."

Then be you glad, good people,
At this time of the year;
And light you up your candles,
For His star it shineth clear.