When Christ was born of Mary free
In Bethlem, in that fair citee,
Angels sang there with mirth and glee,
_In excelsis gloria._
Herdmen beheld these angels bright,
To them appearèd with great light,
And said, ‘God’s son is born this night.’
_In excelsis gloria._
The King is comen to save kind,
As in scripturës we find,
Therefore this song have we in mind,
_In excelsis gloria._
Then, Lord, for thy great grace
Grant us in bliss to see thy face
When we may sing to thee solace,
_In excelsis gloria._