With terror doth the tyrant hear The King of kings hath come to dwell Where David's court shall widely rear A sceptered reign o'er Israel. Then cries out, raging, at the word: "He comes to stand where we have stood: Hence, soldier, and with ruthless sword Deluge the cradles deep with blood!" What profiteth a crime so dread? What hope shall Herod's bosom sway? Alone amidst the thronging dead, The Christ is safely borne away! All glory for this blessèd morn To God the Father ever be; All praise to Thee, O Virgin-born, All praise, O Holy Ghost, to Thee.