Jean Mouton

Quaeramus cum pastoribus
Verbum incarnatum:
Cantemus cum hominibus
Regem seculorum.
Noel, noel, noel.

Quid tu vides in stabulo?
Jesum natum de virgine.
Quid audis in praesepio?
Angelos cum carmine,
Et pastores dicentes:
Noel, noel, noel.

Ubi pascas, ubi cubes?
Dic si ploras aut si rides,
Te rogamus, rex Christe.
Noel, noel, noel.

Cibus est lac virgineum,
Lectus durum praesepium,
Carmina sunt lacrimae,
Noel, noel, noel.

Let us seek with the shepherds
The incarnate Word:
Let us sing with all mankind
For the King of all ages:
Noel, noel, noel.

What do you see in the stable?
Jesus born of a virgin.
What do you hear in the manger?
Angels with a song
And shepherds saying:
Noel, noel, noel.

Where will you be fed? Where do you lie?
Tell us if you weep or smile,
We ask you, Christ the King.
Noel, noel, noel.

The food is the Virgin’s milk,
The bed is the hard manger,
The songs are tears.
Noel, noel, noel.

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