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CAROL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where is the royal babe arrayed?'
Last Line: In excelsis gloria!
Alternate Author Name(s): Q; Quiller-couch, A. T.
Subject(s): Christmas; Jesus Christ; Nativity, The


FLING out, fling out your windows wide!
I bring you joy this Christmas-tide:
To-day is born in Bethlehem
A son of royal David's stem:
Then sing and rest you satisfied—
In excelsis gloria!

'Where is the royal Babe arrayed?'
Lo! He is in a manger laid;
The Lord of life an ox's guest—
But warm He lies on Mary's breast?
Then sing and rest you undismayed.

'How may we find His manager-bed?'
There shines a star above His head;
And choirs of viewless Cherubin
Shall guide you to that humble inn:
Then sing and rest you comforted.

'And is it He that should be sent?'
Three kings came from the Orient
A-riding with the tokens three
From Ind, Cathay, and Arabye:
Then sing and rest you confident.

'What bringeth He, this new-born King?'
Lo! all good gifts there are to bring.
'Tis He shall turn your tears to mirth,
And send goodwill and peace on earth:
Then kneel, and rest you worshipping—
In excelsis gloria!





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