Poems (Bushnell)/The Watcher's Carol

by Frances Louisa Bushnell

XXXII
THE WATCHER'S CAROL

High and low, to and fro,
 Suddenly the bells are ringing,
Sweetest news to mortals bringing.
 Though no other sign may show
That the blessed mom doth break,
  Wake! Wake!
  For Jesus' sake.

Far or near, soft or clear,
 Come no strains of heavenly story,
Mighty choirs in beams of glory
 Singing songs of holy cheer.
Yet the blessed morn doth break;
  Wake! Wake!
  For Jesus' sake.

Not a star, near or far,
 Shows the way in golden traces.
All the stars are in their places,
 Very high and still they are.
Yet the blessed morn doth break;
  Wake! Wake!
  For Jesus' sake.

Child, divine! Thyself the sign!
 Other signs we do surrender;
Thou, our star of heavenly splendor,
 Provest all when thou dost shine!
Wake! The blessed morn doth break;
    Wake! Wake!
    For Jesus' sake!