h."

[26] "In a porch, full of cobwebs, between the mule and the ox, the
Saviour of souls is born.... In the porch at Bethlehem are star,
sun, and moon: the Virgin and St. Joseph and the Child who lies in
the cradle. In Bethlehem they touch fire, from the porch the flame
issues; it is a star of heaven which has fallen into the straw.
I am a poor gipsy who come hither from Egypt, and bring to God's
Child a cock. I am a poor Galician who come from Galicia, and bring
to God's Child linen for a shift. To the new-born Child all bring a
gift; I am little and have nothing; I bring him my heart."

[27]

"Sleep, oh sleep, dear Baby mine,
King Divine;
Sleep, my Child, in sleep recline;
Lullaby, mine Infant fair,
Heaven's King,
All glittering,
Full of grace as lilies rare.

Close thine eyelids, O my treasure,
Loved past measure,
Of my soul, the Lord, the pleasure;
Lullaby, O regal Child,
On the hay
My joy I lay;
Love celestial, meek and mild.

Why dost weep, my Babe? alas!
Cold winds that pass
Vex, or is't the little ass?
Lullaby, O Paradise;
Of my heart
Thou Saviour art;
On thy face I press a kiss."{20}

(Translation by Countess Martinengo-Cesaresco.)

[28] A Bas-Quercy bird-carol of this kind is printed by Mr. H. J. L. J.
Masse in his delightful "Book of Old Carols,"{26} a collection of
the words and music of Christmas songs in many languages--English,
Latin, German, Flemish, Basque, Swedish, Catalan, Provencal, and
French of various periods and dialects.

[29]

"I come from heaven to tell
The best nowells that ever befell;
To you thir tidings true I bring,
And I will of them say and sing.

This day to you is born ane child,
Of Mary meek and virgin mild,
That blessed bairn, benign and kind,
Sall you rejoice, baith heart and mind.

My soul and life, stand up and see
What lies in ane crib of tree [wood].
What Babe is that, so gude and fair?
It is Christ, Goddis Son and Heir.

O God! that made all creature,
How art Thou now become