The Ox
The holy night that Christ was born1
The ox stood reverently apart,2
Both ruminating eaten corn,3
And pondering within his heart.4
There be (he pondered) certain beasts,5
Which stand about Jehovah’s throne,6
Which hearken to the Lord’s behests,7
Which have no thought but Him alone.8
Now I am surely one of these.9
And, since He comes to my abode,10
’Tis fitting I should bow my knees11
Before the Holy Child of God.12
I hold it for a solemn troth13
I shall be no more sacrificed.14
For when to prophethood He groweth,15
I cease to symbolise the Christ,16
Who is the noble Holocaust17
As anciently Himself did plan18
Himself to be the Holy Host,19
To feed and succour fallen man.20
I cannot tell the Mother dear21
My joy ; but softly if I low,22
The noble Infant Christ will hear23
His bullock praise him. He will know.24