137. What Child Is This

1 What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.

2 Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading. [Refrain]

3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: What child is this, who, laid to rest
Title: What Child Is This
Author: William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898)
Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
Meter: 87 87 with refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 1998
Scripture: ; ; ;
Topic: Christmas; Epiphany
Tune Information
Name: GREENSLEEVES
Meter: 87 87 with refrain
Key: e minor
Source: English trad.; arr. Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871, alt.



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