The Cyber Hymnal ‎#13276

13276. As I Kept Watch Beside My Sheep (Benidicamus Domino)

1 As I kept watch beside my sheep,
An angel brought me news to keep.
He said, There shall be born this night
A little child of love and light.

Refrain:
Glory on high, and peace below,
O Benedicamus Domino!

2 He said, The Child lies in the stall,
But He shall bless the wide world all.
I saw the stall and holy Child;
I could not leave that presence mild. [Refrain]

3 The Child upon me turned His eye,
And in His hand my heart laid I.
When I went home the Child with me
Went, and would never parted be. [Refrain]

4 O holy Child, I hallow Thee,
And joyful is my heart in me.
Glory on high, and peace below,
O Benedicamus Domino! [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: As I kept watch beside my sheep
• Title: As I Kept Watch Beside My Sheep (Benidicamus Domino)
• Translator: James V. Blake
• Refrain First Line: Glory on high, and peace below
• Meter: 88.88.88
• Language: English
• Source: German; The Carol by Charles W. Wendte (Cincinnati: John Church, 1886)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: TEUTOBURG FOREST
• Meter: 88.88.88
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: German tune, before 1887
• Copyright: Public Domain