The Babe was laid in the Manger
Between the gentle kine —
All safe from cold and danger —
‘ But it was not so with mine.
( With mine! With mine! )
‘ Is it well with the child, is it well?’
The waiting mother prayed.
‘ For I know not how he fell,
And I know not where he is laid.’
A Star stood forth in Heaven,
The watchers ran to see
The Sign of the Promise given —
‘ But there comes no sign to me.
( To me! To me! )
‘ My child died in the dark.
Is it well with the child, is it well?
There was none to tend him or mark,
And I know not how he fell.’
The Cross was raised on high;
The Mother grieved beside —
‘ But the Mother saw Him die
And took Him when He died.
( He died! He died! )
‘ Seemly and undefiled
His burial-place was made —
Is it well, is it well with the child?
For I know not where he is laid.’
On the dawning of Easter Day
Comes Mary Magdalene;
But the Stone was rolled away,
And the Body was not within —
( Within! Within! )
‘ Ah, who will answer my word?’
The broken mother prayed.
‘ They have taken away my Lord,
And I know not where He is laid.’
The Star stands forth in Heaven.
The watchers watch in vain
For a Sign of the Promise given
Of peace on Earth again —
( Again! Again! )
‘ But I know for Whom he fell’ —
The steadfast mother smiled
‘ Is it well with the child — is it well?
It is well — it is well with the child!’