, timid and shy round the little baby Prince of the
Elect who lies naked among the prickly hay.... The Divine Verb,
which is highest knowledge, this day seems as if He knew nothing of
anything. Look at Him on the hay, crying and kicking as if He were
not at all a divine man."

(Translation by Vernon Lee in "Renaissance Fancies and Studies," 34.)

[16]

"Sweep hearth and floor;
Be all your vessel's store
Shining and clean.
Then bring the little guest
And give Him of your best
Of meat and drink. Yet more
Ye owe than meat.
One gift at your King's feet
Lay now. I mean
A heart full to the brim
Of love, and all for Him,
And from all envy clean."

(Translation by Miss Anne Macdonell, in "Sons of Francis," 372.)

[17]

"Full of beauty stood the Mother,
By the Manger, blest o'er other,
Where her little One she lays.
For her inmost soul's elation,
In its fervid jubilation,
Thrills with ecstasy of praise."

(Translation by J. M. Neale.)

[18]

"A spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing,
Whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing
In Mary, purest Maid;
For through our God's great love and might
The Blessed Babe she bare us
In a cold, cold winter's night."

(Translation by C. Winkworth, "Christian Singers," 85.)

[19] The tune is often used in England for Neale's carol, "Good
Christian men, rejoice."

[20] "When Jesus Christ was born, then was it cold; in a little crib He
was laid. There stood an ass and an ox which breathed over the Holy
Child quite openly. He who has a pure heart need have no care."

[21] "Dearest mother, take care of the Child; it is freezing hard, wrap
Him up quickly. And you, old father, tuck the little one up, or the
cold and the wind will give Him no rest. Now we must take our
leave, O divine Child, remember us, pardon our sins. We are
heartily glad that Thou art come; n