by Friederich von Spee ( 1591 – 1635 )
Translated from the German
Flying through deserted skies
The raven-wind of winter
Finds the stable where He lies,
Jesus in the manger;
Croaks and bumbles over Him
Beak of ice to prod
Tender flesh and tiny limbs,
Incarnated God
Stop, stop you frost and hail
Wicked wind that moans,
Stop these sharp and shrieking gales,
Leave the child alone;
Fly across the savage seas
Buffet with your wings
All the oceans till they freeze,
Spare my Infant King
I have something to propose
Joseph dearest brother,
Mix the petals of the rose
With ox and donkey fodder;
Make a mash to feed them both
Lay it at their feet,
Quickly, quickly make their breath
Gentle, warm and sweet
Pious ox and donkey mild
Purify this room,
Cense the body of the child
With rosy warm perfume;
Go and blow your breathing:
Aha, aha, aha!
With your lungs unceasing:
Aha, aha, aha!
— trans. P. Chichikov