University of Virginia Library


21

THE WEEPING BABE

She kneels by the cradle
Where Jesus doth lie;
Singing, “Lullaby, my Baby!
But why dost Thou cry?
“The babes of the village
Smile sweetly in sleep;
And lullaby, my Baby,
That ever dost weep!
“I 've wrapped Thee in linen,
The gift of the Kings;
And wool, soft and fleecy,
The kind Shepherd brings.
“There 's a dove on the trellis,
And wings in the door,
And the gold shoes of angels
Are bright on our floor.
“Then lullaby, my Baby!
I 've fed Thee with milk,
And wrapped Thee in kisses
As soft as the silk.

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“And here are red roses,
And grapes from the vine,
And a lamb trotting softly,
Thy playfellow fine.
“Wake up, little Jesus,
Whom naught can defile;
All gifts will I give Thee
An Thou wilt but smile.
“But it 's lullaby, my Baby!
And mournful am I,
Thou cherished little Jesus,
That still Thou wilt cry.”