The First Mercy (mixed voices)

Ox and ass at Bethlehem,
On a night, ye know of them,
We were only creatures small,
Hid by shadows on the wall.

We were swallow, moth and mouse;
The Child was born in our house,
And the bright eyes of us three
Peeped at His nativity.

Hands of peace upon that place
Hushed our beings for a space.
Quiet feet and folded wing,
Nor a sound of anything.

With a moving star we crept
Closer when the Baby slept;
Men who guarded where He lay
Moved to frighten us away.

But the Babe, awakened, laid
Love on things that were afraid;
With so sweet a gesture He
Called us to His company.

Bruce Blunt (1899–1957)