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141

What Child Is This?

Lyrics by
William Chatterton Dix (1865)
Music by
Traditional English ()
Tune
GREENSLEEVES · 8.7.8.7
Scripture
Matthew 1:20-21
Verse 1
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Verse 2
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Verse 3
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own Him,
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

A Victorian hymn set to the ancient English melody Greensleeves, focusing on Christ's humble birth.