The First Nowell

THE first Nowell the Angels did say,

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star,

Shining in the East beyond them afar;

And to the earth it gave great light,

And so it continued both day and night.

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star,

Three Wise Men came from country far;

To seek for a King was their intent,

And to follow the star wherever it went.

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

The star drew nigh to  the northwest,

O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;

And there it did both stop and stay,

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

Then did they know assuredly

Within that house the King did lie;

One entered in then for to see

And found the Babe in poverty.

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those Wise Men three

Most reverently upon their knee,

And offered there in His presence

Both gold and myrrh, and frankincense.

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

Between an ox-stall and an ass

This Child, truly there, born He was;

For want of clothing they did Him lay

All in the manger among the hay.

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with  one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,

That hath made heaven and earth of nought,

And with His blood mankind hath bought,

Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,Nowell,

Born is the King of Israel.