Apparently there is a Dorset version of Shepherds Arise which, to my mind, has much more sensible words in line 3 - and they rhyme! It goes: Shepherds, arise, be not afraid With hasty steps repair To Bethlehem city - see the maid With her blest Infant there. This is version sung by Tim Laycock & the New Scoprion Band in The Carnal And the Crane, 2001. Lyrics written out with references,(!)at http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/shepherds_arise_be_not_afraid.htm This http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/ is a site I hadn't seen before yesterday. Looks jolly good!
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