The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame ;
« All hail, » said he, « thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady, » Gloria !
« For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favoured lady, »
Gloria !
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed b=her head,
« To me be as it pleaseth God, » she said,
« My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.
Most highly favoured lady, »
Gloria !
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say :
« Most highly favoured lady, »
Gloria !
)
