She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7
Words: Author unknown (Dormi! Fili, Dormi!). Translated from Latin to English by Henry Trend in Lyra Messianica, edited by Orby Shipley (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green, 1864), pages 67–69.
Music: Sebastian (Hodges) John S. B. Hodges (1830–1915) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Hush! the virgin’s song is ringing
Through the lowly manger’s shed,
Joseph’s voice the chorus singing
O’er their glorious Infant’s bed.
Sleep! my child, for in the manger
Softest hay beneath Thee lies;
Loveliest Infant, here no danger
Can Thy precious life surprise.
Sleep! my child, my crown, my beauty,
Lulled with nectar from my breast;
Sleep! whilst sweet maternal duty
Watches o’er Thy balmy rest.
Sleep! my child, so full of sweetness,
Sweeter than the honey comb;
Sleep! my joy, my life’s completeness,
Offspring of my virgin womb.
Sleep! my child, and I will render
To Thy wishes full supply;
Thy dear mother’s pleasure, tender
As the apple of her eye.
Sleep! my Child, my heart’s sole treasure,
Giving joy which fears not death;
Angels seem to whisper pleasure
When I hear Thy sleeping breath.
Sleep! my child; Thy mother singing
Lulls Thee now to calm repose;
Joseph’s voice responsive ringing
Softly as the chorus flows.
Sleep! my child, for I am pouring
Rose and violet on Thy bed:
Hyacinths bestrew Thy flooring;
Lilies lie around Thy head.
Sleep! my child; were minstrels needed
I would send for Bethlehem’s swains;
Never are their songs unheeded,
None can waken holier strains.