As shepherds in Jewry were guarding their sheep,
Promisc'ously seated, estrangèd from sleep,
An angel from heaven presented to view,
And thus he accosted the trem-bl-ing few:
REFRAIN 1: (TWICE)
Dispel all your sorrows and banish your fears,
For Jesus your Savior in Jewry appears.

Though Adam the first in rebellion was found,
Forbidden to tarry in hallowèd ground;
Yet Adam the second appears to retrieve
The loss you sustain'd by the devil and Eve.
REFRAIN 2: (twice)
Then shepherds, be tranquil, this instant arise,
Go visit your Savior and see where he lies.

A token I leave you, whereby you may find
This heavenly stranger, this friend to mankind:
A manger his cradle, a stall his abode,
The oxen are near him and blow on your God.
REFRAIN 3: (twice)
Then shepherds, be humble, be meek and be low,
For Jesus your Savior's abundantly so.

This wonderful story scarce reachèd the ear,
When thousands of angels in glory appear,
They join in the concert, and this was the theme:
All glory to God, and good will towards men.
REFRAIN 4: (twice)
Then shepherds, go join you glad voice to the choir,
And catch a few sparks of celestial fire.

Hosanna! the angels in ecstasy cry,
Hosanna! the wandering shepherds reply;
Salvaton, redemption are center'd in one,
All glory to God for the birth of his Son.
REFRAIN 5: (twice)
Then shepherds, adore, we commend you to God,
Go visit the Son in his humble abode.

To Bethlehem city the shepherds repair'd,
For full confirmation of what they had heard;
They enter'd the stable, with aspect so mild,
And there they beheld the Mother and Child.
REFRAIN 6: (twice)
Then make proclamation, divulge it abroad,
That both Jews and Gentiles may hear of the Lord.


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Source: The Second Penguin Book of Christmas Carols, ed. Elizabeth Poston.

Notes:
SHEPHERDS IN JUDEA (As shepherds in Jewry), a version of freshness and charm, with the emphasis on the shepherds, of the English traditional Davies Gilbert carol 'A Virgin most pure' (see no.1, p 34). According to George Pullen Jackson this carol is to be found only in The Christian Harmony or Songster's Companion compiled by Jeremiah Ingalls in Exeter, New Hartford, 1805.


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