The First Nowell

Questo è un canto tradizionale natalizio della Cornovaglia, probabilmente del 1500.

Venne pubblicato per la prima volta nel 1823, con arrangiamento e modifiche del testo di Davies Gilbert.

The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge

The first Nowell the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel! Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,

And so it continued both day and night.
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel! Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel! Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest:
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel! Born is the King of Israel!