As I kept watch be­side my sheep,
An an­gel brought me news to keep.
He said, There shall be born this night
A lit­tle child of love and light.

Refrain

Glory on high, and peace be­low,
O Be­ne­di­ca­mus Do­mi­no!

He said, The Child lies in the stall,
But He shall bless the wide world all.
I saw the stall and ho­ly Child;
I could not leave that pre­sence mild.

Refrain

The Child up­on me turned His eye,
And in His hand my heart laid I.
When I went home the Child with me
Went, and would ne­ver part­ed be.

Refrain

O ho­ly Child, I hal­low Thee,
And joy­ful is my heart in me.
Glory on high, and peace be­low,
O Be­ne­di­ca­mus Do­mi­no!

Refrain