Classic Poem

From Heaven was sent an Angel of light
Unto a City that Nazareth hight,
Unto a maid, a byrde so bright
And full of bliss:
Nomen Maria virginis.

The Angel went forth and nought he ceased,
Before that maiden he him addressed:
He said: " All hail, thou art full blest
And gracious;
Quia tecum est Dominus.

When Mary this heard, astonished was she
And thought whatever this greeting might be.
The Angel her showed of Grace plenty
And great solace;
Et dixit " Maria ne timeas " .

The Angel said: " Thou maiden mild,
Thou shalt conceive and bear a Child:
Thy maidenhood shall ne'er be defiled.
Call Him Jesus;
Hic erat Altissimi Filius.

When Mary as bright as crystal stone,
These words heard she answered anon;
And asked how all this might be done
And said: " How so?
Quia virum non cognosco "

The Angel said: " Thou maiden still,
The Holy Ghost shall it fulfil. "
The maid replied with voice so shrill
And said meekly:
" Ecce Ancilla Domini " .

Soon after this the Child was born
In Bethlehem on a winter's morn:
Now make we merry Him beforn
And sing Nowell;
Quia missus est Angelus Gabriel.