CHRISTMAS TIDE 



The Ox and Ass kept fast what day 

 Blessed Mary in Her travail lay. 



Their empty manger so was free 

 A cradle for Christ-child to be. 



No hunger now on Christmas morn 

 Man brims the manger-bed with corn. 



Yet by its death each gentle beast 

 Still worships at our Christmas feast. 



Christ, when Thou comest at the last 

 Remember both their feast and fast ! 



