Here He has peace, and a short while for dreaming

[kathleen_dailey]

In honour of the day and the season, here's a link to Peter Warlock and Bruce Blunt's carol, "Bethlehem Down," performed by Voces8.

"When He is King we will give Him the kings' gifts,
Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,
Beautiful robes," said the young girl to Joseph,
Fair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down.

Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight,
Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold,
Mary for sleep, and for lullaby music
Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem Fold.

When He is King they will clothe Him in grave-sheets,
Myrrh for embalming. and wood for a crown,
He that lies now in the white arms of Mary
Sleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down.

Here He has peace, and a short while for dreaming,
Close-huddled oxen to keep Him from cold,
Mary for love, and for lullaby music
Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem Fold.



The British composer Phillip Cooke reflects on the piece here: Whenever I hear Bethlehem Down in a carol service it always transports me to somewhere else, not in a religious way, but in some sort of otherworldly way where time stops and there is a moment of real contemplation.

Happy Christmas to all those who celebrate.