W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.
Twas Midnight
R. S. Trend’T
Was studded o’er with gems of light;
No breeze went floating by
To break the stillness of that glorious night.
A lowly band of Shepherd-men,
Beneath the midnight air,
Were gathered on Judæa’s palmy plain.
Which bursts upon that listening ear,
Shedding on all around
A holy Joy, a reverential Fear?
Enraptured, to the starry skies:
Well may such strains entrance,
And draw from earth to Heaven the dullest eyes.
Those thrilling notes of glory ring:
Sent from the Heavenly Land,
Glad tidings of great Joy to earth to bring.
Is the sweet music of their song,
While echo takes the cry
And wafts it far the vaulted arch along.
Will Christ the King of Glory bring;
Then let us join their strain,
And praises to the new-born Saviour sing.