Bethlehem Down

One of the most beautiful carols ever, written by Bruce Blunt in 1927, and set to music by Peter Warlock. Here sung by the Choir of Kings College Cambridge, where I used to be Chaplain.

'When He is King we will give Him the Kings’ gifts:

Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,

Beautiful robes,' said the young girl to Joseph,

Fair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down.

Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight:

Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold,

Mary for sleep, and for lullaby music

Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.

When He is King they will clothe Him in grave-sheets:

Myrrh for embalming, and wood for a crown,

He that lies now in the white arms of Mary,

Sleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down.

Here He has peace and a short while for dreaming:

Close-huddled oxen to keep Him from cold,

Mary for love, and for lullaby music

Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.