1. Quem pastores laudavere,
quibus angeli dixere,
absit vobis jam timere,
natus est rex gloriæ.
quibus angeli dixere,
absit vobis jam timere,
natus est rex gloriæ.
While their flocks the shepherds tended heavenly hosts to earth descended singing, with all voices blended, "Fear not, Christ is born today."
2. Ad quem reges ambulabant,
aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
immolabant hæc sincere
Leoni victoriæ.
aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
immolabant hæc sincere
Leoni victoriæ.
Eastern Seers rich gifts had wrought Him gold, frankincense, myrrh they brought Him; guided by a star, they sought Him,
Prince of Life and Victory.
Prince of Life and Victory.
3. Exultemus cum Maria
In cœlesti heirarchia
Natum promat voce pia
Laus honor et gloria.
In cœlesti heirarchia
Natum promat voce pia
Laus honor et gloria.
On that Child with Mary gazing, join ye Christians all in raising songs to Him, whom heaven is praising, God incarnate come to us.
4. Christo regi, Deo nato,
per Mariam nobis dato,
merito resonet vere
Dulci cum melodia.
per Mariam nobis dato,
merito resonet vere
Dulci cum melodia.
From this day's first dawn to even praise to Christ our King be given by all earth, and all in heaven, in our sweetest, loftiest strain.
English version by John Henry Hopkins
