The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #10493   Message #842854
Posted By: Genie
07-Dec-02 - 01:06 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Carol of the Birds
Subject: Lyr Add: WHENCE COMES THIS RUSH OF WINGS?
MIDI here

Here's the full text in English. Still need the French.

WHENCE COMES THIS RUSH OF WINGS?
                              (Carol Of The Birds)
                             (French carol from Bas-Quercy)

                             Whence comes this rush of wings afar,
                             Following straight the NoÎl star?
                             Birds from the woods, in wondrous flight,
                             Bethlehem seek this Holy Night.

                             "Tell us, ye birds, why come ye here,
                             Into this stable, poor and drear?"
                             "Hast'ning, we seek the new-born King,
                             And all our sweetest music bring."

                             Hark! how the greenfinch bears his part.
                             Philomel, too, with tender heart,
                             Chants from her leafy dark retreat,
                             Re, mi, fa, sol, in accents sweet.

                             Angels and shepherds, birds of the sky,
                             Come where the Son of God doth lie;
                             Christ on earth with man doth dwell,
                             Join in the shout, "Noël, Noël!"