"To Bethlem did they go, the shepherds three;
To Bethlem did they go to see whe'r it were so or no,
Whether Christ were born or no
  To set men free."

  Masters, in this hall,
  Hear ye news to-day
  Brought over sea,
  And ever I you pray.
  Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell!
  Sing we clear!
  Holpen are all folk on earth,
  Born is God's Son so dear.

  Going over the hills,
  Through the milk-white snow.
  Heard I ewes bleat
  While the wind did blow.
  Nowell, &c.

  Shepherds many an one
  Sat among the sheep;
  No man spake more word
  Than they had been asleep.
  Nowell, &c.