Then cried the men in wonder,
'What manner man is He,
Whose very word hath under
Control both wind and sea?'
Lady Day
XXXVII. THERE STOOD IN HEAVEN A LINDEN TREE
(Es stot ein lind im himelrich)
1.There stood in heav'n a linden tree;
But, tho' 'twas honey-laden,
All Angels cried, 'No bloom shall be
Like that of one fair Maiden.'
2.Sped Gabriel on wingèd feet,
And pass'd through bolted portals
In Nazareth, a Maid to greet
Blest o'er all other mortals.
3.'Hail Mary!' quod that Angel mild,
'Of woman-kind the fairest:
The Virgin ay shalt thou be styled,
A babe although thou bearest.'
4.'How shall I bear a child, that ne'er
With wedded man was mated?
Pray tell me now this infant how
Shall He be generated?'
5.'O Virgin sheen, it shall be seen,
As I announce afore thee:
The Holy Ghost, of virtue most,
Shall cast His shadow o'er thee.
