Neighbour, what has you so excited?

Do tell me please.

Haven't you heard a child is born that all want to see?

Son of a pure and modest virgin, Mary's her name

They say her baby is the savior prophets proclaim



I would be pleased to go with you, so likely I'll go

But can we take our time to see him?

Shop on the road?

Have you some cake to take the infant?

Sugar-plums, too?

I'm sure that Mary's house is lovely, tidy and new



I am afraid that you're mistaken, wrong as can be

This blessed maiden has no splendid rich place to stay

For she lies within a wretched stable dirty and poor

There is no table for your presents, only the floor



Surely she has a warm soft cradle there for the child

One has to rock and calm an infant

so weak and so mild

What sort of guards and servants

has she to give her aid?

Cannot the heavenly father's power help the poor maid?



All they could think to find for a cradle - a manger bed

Bundle of dusty, dry straw to pillow his head

Joseph, her husband, he cares for Mary best as he can

In place of servant, ox and donkey are looking on



Traveling tires me, and this journey seems a long way

Only to see a new-born baby lying on hay

Maybe you shepherds find excitement in this affair

But I am used to things much better in which to share



You must not talk that way, my neighbor

- mark what I say

Upon my honour, this is our saviour born on this day

It is his choice to come so humbly there in a stall

Granting his pow'r and grace so gently to one and all



O blessed mother, free us all from arrogant pride

May we, when life on earth is ended,

hasten to your side

Daring to hope you will present us to your dear son

And that we'll gain the bliss and joy of paradise won