AS LATELY WE WATCHED
John Jacob Niles ~ Public Domain

As lately we watched O'er our fields through the night,
A star there was seen of such glorious light.
All through the night angels did sing,
In carols so sweet of the birth of a King.

His throne is a manger, His court is a loft,
But troops of bright angels in lays sweet and soft,
Him they proclaim, our Christ by name,
And earth, sky, and air straight are filled with His fame.

Then shepherds be joyful, salute your new King;
Let hills and dales ring to the song that ye sing.
Blessed be the hour, welcome the morn,
For Christ our dear Saviour on earth now is born.