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Burgundian Carol / Carol of the Beasts

[ Roud - ; Bernard LaMonnoye]

This Burgundian Carol was written by Bernard LaMonnoye in ca 1700. It was translated by Oscar Brand and recorded by the Weavers for their 1951 Decca album We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Pete Seeger also sang the shorter Carol of the Beasts in 1967 on his Folkways album Traditional Christmas Carols. He noted:

A 17^th Century French carol, translated by Oscar Brand.

Janice Burns and Jon Doran sang Carol of the Beasts on their 2024 album Great Joy to the New.

Lyrics

Burgundian Carol

The winter season of the year,
When to this world our Lord was born,
The ox and donkey, so they say,
Did keep his holy presence warm.
How many oxen and donkeys now
If they were there when first he came,
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do the same?

And on that night it has been told
These humble beasts so rough and rude,
Throughout the noght of holy birth
Drank no water, ate no food.
How many oxen and donkeys now
If they were there when first he came,
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do the same?

As soon as to these humble beasts
Appeared our Lord, so mild and sweet,
With joy they knelt before his Grace
And gently kissed His tiny feet.
How many oxen and donkeys now
Dressed in ermine, silk and such,
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do as much?

Pete Seeger sings Carol of the Beasts

And on that night it has been told
These humble beasts so rough and rude
Throughout the night of holy birth
Drank no water, ate no food.

How many oxen and donkeys now
dressed in ermine, silk and such?
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do as much?

As soon as to these humble beasts
Appeared our Lord, so mild and sweet
With joy they knelt before His Grace
And gently kissed His tiny feet.

How many oxen and donkeys
Now if they were there when first He came
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do the same?