Traditional Irish Carol (air: the Little Brown Mallet)
The darkest midnight in December, no snow nor hail nor winter storm
Shall hinder us for to remember, the babe that on this night was born
With shepherds we are come to see this lovely infant's glorious charms
Born of a maid as the prophets said the God of love in Mary's arms.
Have you not heard the sacred story, how man was made those seats to fill
Which the fallen angels lost in glory, through their presumption, pride, and will
They thought us mean for to obtain such glorious seats and crowns in heaven
So through a cheat they go Eve to eat the fruit to be avenged on man.
Ye blessed angels join our voices, let your gilded wings beat fluttering o'er
While every soul set free rejoices and every devil must adore
We'll sing and pray that God always may our friends and family defend
God grant us grace in all our days, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Fr William Devereux (1669-1771) (published 1728) Co. Wexford, Ireland
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