"This winter's eveningI saw a sight-- A star as bright as day;And ever amongA maiden sung, Lullay, by-by, lullay!

"This lovely laydie sat and sung, And to her teeny child she exclaimed,My son, my brother, and my portlyher dear, Why lyest thou thus in hayd?My sweet bird,Tho' it betide Thou be not king veray;But neverthelessI will not cease To sing, by-by, lullay!

"The kid then spake inside his talking, And to his mother he said,It happeneth, mother, I am a king, In crib though I be laid,For angels brightDid down alight, Thou knowest it is no nay;And of that sightThou may'st be light To sing, by-by, lullay!