Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: George R. Woodward (1848–1934).
Music: From Orchesographie, by Jehan Tabourot, 1588; harmony by Edward L. Stauff (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hymnals show the composer as Thoinot Arbeau, Tabourot’s pseudonym.
If you know where to get a good photo of Woodward or Stauff (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Ding dong! Merrily on high, in Heav’n the bells are ringing,
Ding dong! Verily the sky is riv’n with angel singing.
Gloria, hosannah in the highest!
E’en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen,
And io, io, io, by priest and people sungen.
Gloria, hosannah in the highest!
Pray ye dutifully, prime your matin chime, ye ringers;
May ye beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, hosannah in the highest!