A Pastoral betwixt David, Thirsis, and the Angel Gabriel, upon the Birth of Our Saviour

DAVID
What means yon apparition in the sky,
Thirsis, that dazzles every shepherd's eye ?
I slumbering was when from yon glorious cloud
Came gliding music heavenly, sweet, and loud,
With sacred raptures which my bosom fires,
And with celestial joy my soul inspires ;
It soothes the native horrors of the night,
And gladdens nature more than dawning light.

THIRSIS
But hold! see hither through the yielding air
An angel comes : for mighty news prepare.

ANGEL GABRIEL
Rejoice, ye swains, anticipate the morn
With songs of praise ; for lo ! a Saviour's born.
With joyful haste to Bethlehem repair,
And you will find the almighty Infant there ;
Wrapped in a swaddling band you'll find your King,
And in a manger laid : to him your praises bring.

CHORUS OF ANGELS
To God who in the highest dwells
Immortal glory be ;
Let peace be in the humble cells
Of Adam's progeny.

DAVID
No more the year shall wintry horrors bring ;
Fixed in the indulgence of eternal spring,
Immortal green shall clothe the hills and vales,
And odorous sweets shall load the balmy gales ;
The silver brooks shall in soft murmurs tell
The joy that shall their oozy channels swell.
Feed on, my flocks, and crop the tender grass;
Let blooming joy appear on every face,
For lo ! this blessed, this propitious morn,
The Saviour of lost mankind is born.

THIRSIS
Thou fairest morn that ever sprang from night,
Or decked the opening skies with rosy light,
Well mayst thou shine with a distinguished ray,
Since here Emmanuel condescends to stay,
Our fears, our guilt, our darkness to dispel,
And save us from the horrid jaws of hell;
Who from his throne descended, matchless love !
To guide poor mortals to blest seats above.
But come! without delay let us be gone;
Shepherd, let's go, and humbly kiss the Son.