Past Three O'Clock

I went caroling today, and it was absolutely wonderful. The wind was blowing, the snow was falling, and our toes were frozen, but the surprise and happiness on people's faces when they opened their doors to a burst of song made up for all of it. Of course, it also helped that there was a roaring fire and hot tea waiting for us when we were done. This poem is taken from 'Past Three O'Clock,' which began as a song for the London waits, or town watchmen, of the 1600's, and ended as a 19th century carol.


Past Three O'Clock

Past three o'clock, the campans ring
upon the frosty morning air;
past three o'clock, awake and sing;
the morrow's come and Christ is near.

Born is He, so innocent,
of God, and of a man,
and forth the seraphs' praises went
since ere the world began.

Past three o'clock, the campans ring
upon the frosty morning air;
past three o'clock, awake and sing;
the morrow's come and Christ is near.

All creation cries 'Nowell'
in one triumphant word,
so stay not, sirs, but rise and tell
the coming of the Lord!

Past three o'clock, the campans ring
upon the frosty morning air;
past three o'clock, awake and sing;
the morrow's come and Christ is near.