burgundian carol

the winter season of the year

when to this world our lord was born

the ox and donkey

so they say

did keep his holy presence warm

how many oxen and donkeys now

if they were there when first he came

how many oxen and donkeys you know

at such a time would do the same?

and on that night it has been told

these humble beasts so rough and rude

throughout the night of holy birth

drank no water

ate no food

how many oxen and donkeys now

dressed in ermine

silk and such

how many oxen and donkeys you know

at such a time would do as much?

as soon as to these humble beasts

appeared our lord

so mild and sweet

with joy they knelt before his grace

and gently kissed his tiny feet

would we like oxen and donkeys then

in spite of all the things be heard

would we like oxen and donkeys then

we'd hear the truth

believe his word?