Soft and easy is thy cradle;
  Coarse and hard thy Saviour lay.
When His birthplace was a stable,
  And His softest bed was hay.

See the kindly shepherds round him,
  Telling wonders from the sky!
When they sought Him, there they found Him,
With his Virgin-Mother by.

See the lovely babe a-dressing;
  Lovely infant, how He smiled!
When He wept, the mother's blessing
  Soothed and hushed the holy child.

Lo, He slumbers in His manger,
  Where the honest oxen fed;
—Peace, my darling! here's no danger!
  Here's no ox a-near thy bed!

Mayst thou live to know and fear Him,
  Trust and love Him all thy days;
Then go dwell forever near Him,
  See His face, and sing His praise!

I could give thee thousand kisses,
  Hoping what I most desire;
Not a mother's fondest wishes
  Can to greater joys aspire.