Text:What Child Is This?
Author:William C. Dix (1837-1898)
Tune:GREENSLEEVES

141. 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) (c. 1865)
Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
Meter: 8.7.8.7.Ref.
Publication Date: 1985
Topic: Jesus Christ: Birth
Tune Information
Name: GREENSLEEVES
Meter: 8.7.8.7.Ref.
Incipit: 13456 54271 23117
Key: e minor or modal
Source: English Folk Melody, c. 1580



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