As Joseph Was A-Waukin'

As Joeseph Was A-Waukin'

As Joseph was a-waukin',

He heard an angel sing,

"This night shall be the birthnight

Of Christ our heavenly King.

"His birth-bed shall be neither

In housen not in hall,

Nor in the place of paradise,

But in the oxen's stall.

"He neither shall be rocked

In silver nor in gold,

But in the wooden manger

That lieth in the mould.

"He neither shall be washen

With white wine nor with red,

But with the fair spring water

That on you shall be shed.

"He neither shall be clothed

In purple nor in pall,

But in the fair white linen

That usen babies all."

As Joseph was a-waukin',

Thus did the angel sing,

And Mary's Son at midnight

Was born to be our King.

Then be you glad, good people,

At this time of the year;

And light you up your candles,

For His star is shineth clear.

author unknown, Old Anglo-Saxon origins