162. What Child Is This

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.

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: [Refrain]

3 So bring him incense, gold and myrrh,
come, rich and poor, to own him,
the King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: What Child is this who laid to rest
Title: What Child Is This
Author: William C. Dix (c. 1865)
Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
Meter: 87.87 w. refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 1995
Topic: God Known in Jesus Christ: Birth; Christian Year: Christmas; Jesus Christ (1 more...)
Tune Information
Name: GREENSLEEVES
Meter: 87.87 w. refrain
Key: e minor
Source: English melody (16th century)



Media
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