As lately we watch’d o’er our fields thro’ the night,A star there was seen of such glorious light.All thro’ the night, angels did singCarols so sweet of the birth of a King.A King of such beauty was ne’er before seen,And Mary His mother so like a queen.Blessed be the hour, welcome the morn,For Christ our dear Saviour on earth now is born.His throne is a manger, His court is a loft,But troops of bright angels, in lays sweet and soft,Him they proclaim, our Christ by name,And earth, sky and air straight are filled with his fame.Then shepherds, be joyful; salute your new King,Let hills and vales ring to the song that ye sing.Blessed be the hour, welcome the morn,For Christ our dear Saviour on earth now is born