Skip to content
1882–1935

THE SHEPHERDS’ CAROL OF

Frederic Manning

A golden star hangs in the night, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! And all the fields are clad in white: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

What maketh Mary's face so pale? Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! It is the hour of her travail: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

She lies between an ass and beast, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! Three kings come riding from the east: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! They have ridden out of the lands afar: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

In ermine furs and cramasie, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! A duffle cloak will shelter me: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

The kings have stooped to Mary's hem, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! But her eyes travel away from them: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

What gifts have we to bring the Lord? Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! Neither a sceptre, nor a sword: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

We bring no gifts but milk and cheese: Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! And a fleece of wool for Mary's knees: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold: Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! But a fleece to shield Him from the cold: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

Down miry ways, tho’ storms be wild, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! A warm soft fleece for a naked child: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

Now Mary turns her face to sleep: Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! While we go back to tend our sheep: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

The sparks fly from the crackling thorn, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! Our God was in a stable born: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

Tho’ three wise kings rode from the east, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! He was born between an ass and beast: I saw three shepherds out in the snow.

I saw no trail of starry light, Heigh-ho, the bitter winds blow! I heard a child wail in the night: I saw three shepherds out in the snow!

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE SHEPHERDS’ CAROL OF · Frederic Manning · Poetry Cove