Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

A traditional Polish carol, this version is the arrangement found in the New Trinity Hymnal, which in turn credits the arrangement to the Kingsway Book of Carols.

In doing a bit of research (and exploring different arrangements) I happened across a note in the Oxford Book of Carols which suggests that English listeners may find the last three notes (and, perhaps, the repeat of the last two bars) to be unexpected. The notes are the traditional Polish tune--the repeat of the bars may be a modern innovation--whether of English or American origin I don't know.

Thanks, as before, to Agnus_Dei (Dave Lamb) for his Hymns of Advent series--which prompted me to think of uploading this.

1. Infant holy, infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing,
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging angels singing,
Nowells ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the Babe is Lord of all!
Christ the Babe is Lord of all!

2. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new;
Saw the glory, heard the story,
Tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
Praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the Babe was born for you!
Christ the Babe was born for you!