William Canton

Carol

When the herds were watching

In the midnight chill,

Came a spotless lambkin

From the heavenly hill.


Snow was on the mountains,

And the wind was cold,

When from God's own garden

Dropped a rose of gold.


When 'twas bitter winter,

Houseless and forlorn

In a star-lit stable

Christ the Babe was born.


Welcome, heavenly lambkin;

Welcome, golden rose;

Alleluia, Baby,

In the swaddling clothes!