1 The first Nowell the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep:
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born is the King of Israel.
2 They lookèd up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far:
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night: [Refrain]
3 And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wheresoever it went: [Refrain]
4 This star drew nigh to the north-west;
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay: [Refrain]
5 Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Both gold and myrrh and frankincense: [Refrain]
6 Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought: [Refrain]