5. O SALICH HEYLICH BETHLEHEM
O salich heylich Bethlehem, O onder duysent uytvercoren, Vereert boven Jerusalem, Want Jesus is in u gheboren.
O Bethlehem, cleyn groote stadt, Cleyn van begrip, maer groot van waerden, Ghy sijt dat alder eelste vat, En d'alderrijckste stadt der aerden.
O Coninck Christe, Prince groot, Hoe wort ghy hier aldus ghevonden, In hoy, in stroo, in sulcken noot, In aerme doecxkens teer ghewonden.
| [5] O BLESSED AND HOLY BETHLEHEM O blessed and holy Bethlehem, Chosen from amongst thousands, Honoured above Jerusalem, For Jesus was born within thy walls.
O Bethlehem, small but mighty town' Small of extent, but great in worth, Thou art the noblest vessel And the richest town on Earth.
O Christ the King, mighty Prince, How are Thou so here to be found, In hay, straw, and in such need, Tenderly wrapped in poor linens.
Translation © 1997, Peter Lockwood
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