It came upon the midnight clear

That glorious song of old

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold:

"Peace on the earth goodwill to men

From heavens all gracious King "

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing

Still through the cloven skies they come

With peaceful wings unfurled;

And still their heavenly music floats

O'er all the weary world:

Above its sad and lowly plains

They bend on hovering wing

And ever o'er its Babel sounds

The blessed angels sing

O ye beneath life's crushing load

Whose forms are bending low

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps and slow;

Look now for glad and golden hours

Come swiftly on the wing;

Oh rest beside the weary road

And hear the angels sing