| Share page |
|
— 272 — |
||
|
Now, when Joseph and Mary was espoused, we find, Having seen her condition, he was grieved in mind; Aye, and thought to dismiss her, whom he loved so dear, But an angel from Heaven did her innocence clear.
He declared in a vision, that a Son she should have, By the Father appointed, fallen mortals to save; And the same should be called blessed Jesus by name, From the high court of Heaven this Ambassador came.
Then the righteous man, Joseph, believed the news, And the sweet Virgin Mary he did no wise refuse; Thus the blest amongst women, did bear and bring forth A sweet Prince of Salvation, both in Heaven and Earth.
When the days of her travail did begin to draw nigh, Righteous Joseph and Mary went immediately To the city of David, to be taxed indeed, E'en as Caesar Augustus had firmly decreed.
Being come to the city, entertainment they crave, But the inns were so filled they no lodging could have, For the birth of our Saviour, though he was Prince of all, He could have there no place but a poor oxes stall.
Now the proud may come hither, and perfectly see, The most excellent pattern of humility; For, instead of a cradle, deckt with ornaments gay, Here, the great King of Glory, in a manger He lay. |
||