The winter season of the year When to this world Our Lord was born The ox and donkey, so they say, Did keep His Holy Presence warm. How many oxen and donkeys now If they were there when first He came How many oxen and donkeys you know At such a time would do the same? And on that night it has been told These humble beasts so rough and rude Throughout the night of Holy Birth Drank no water, ate no food. How many oxen and donkeys now Dressed in ermine, silk and such, How many oxen and donkeys you know At such a time would do as much? As soon as to these humble beasts Appeared Our Lord, so mild and sweet With joy they knelt before His Grace And gently kissed His tiny feet Would we like oxen and donkeys then In spite of all the things be heard Would we like oxen and donkeys then We'd hear the truth, believe His word?