Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

The traditional Polish carol "W Zlobie Lezy" ("In the Manger He Lies") portrays the simple circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ. It describes the presence of animals at the manger side and the visit of humble shepherds, who were among the first to greet the newborn Savior. In 1920, this beloved carol was translated into English as "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" by Edith Margaret Gellibrand Reed (1885-1933), a British musician and playwright. Reed found the original Polish text in the hymnal "Spiewniczek Piesni Koscielne," published in 1908, although the carol itself may date back to the sixteenth century. The text is attributed to the Jesuit and famous patriotic preacher, Piotr Skarga, while the melody resembles the coronation polonaise of Polish King Wladyslaw IV Waza. In addition to this arrangement for SATB choir, violin solo, harp, and organ, a version scored for SATB choir and chamber orchestra is also available. Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ, the babe, is Lord of all. Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ, the babe, is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing greet the morrow: Christ, the babe, was born for you.