412. 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, peasant, king, 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, 1837-1898
Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
Meter: 87 87 with Refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 2015
Tune Information
Name: GREENSLEEVES
Harmonizer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
Meter: 87 87 with Refrain
Key: e minor or modal
Source: English folk song, 16th cent.



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us