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Why, most highest, art thou lying

Representative Text

1 Why, Most Highest, art Thou lying,
In a manger poor and low?
Thou, the fires of heav'n supplying,
Come a stable's cold to know?

Refrain:
O what works of love stupendous
Were salvation's price!
Burning wert Thou to befriend us,
Exiles from Paradise.

2 On a Mother's breast Thou sleepest,
Mother, yet a Virgin still;
Sad, with eyes bedimmed Thou weepest,
Eyes, which Heaven with gladness fill. [Refrain]

3 Weak the Strong, of strength the Giver:
Small, Whose arms creation span;
Bound, Who only can deliver;
Born is He Who ne'er began. [Refrain]

Source: Christmas Carols New and Old: Series 1 and 2 #22

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Translator: H. R. Bramley

English clergyman, a high-church Anglican. Text editor of Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871 (John Stainer was the music editor), a seminal work in the second period of carol revival. The usual four-part setting of "The First Nowell" appeared in this book. Published a number of translations of hymns and carols from the Latin.… Go to person page >

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Text Information

First Line: Why, most highest, art thou lying
Translator: H. R. Bramley
Refrain First Line: O what works of love stupendous
Copyright: Public Domain
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Timeline

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Instances in all hymnals

Instances (1 - 1 of 1)

AGO Founders Hymnal #62

AGO Founders Hymnal #62
Include 4 pre-1979 instances
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