it came upon the midnight clear

1. it came upon the midnight clear That glories song of old,
From angels bending near the earth - To touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth, good will to men
From heaven's all gracious king

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

2. Still through the cloven skies they come
    With peaceful wings unfurled;
    And still their heavenly music floats O'er all the weary world;

3. Above its sad and lowly plains - They bend on hovering wing,
  And ever, O'er its Babel sounds - The blessed angles sing.

4. All ye, beneath life's crushing load
  Whose forms are bending low,
  Who toil along the climbing way - With painful steps and slow;

5. Look now I for glad and golden hours - Come swiftly on the wing;
    Oh, rest beside the weary road And hear the angels sing !

6. For lo ! the days are hastening on By prophet-bards foretold,
    When, with the ever-circling years - Comes round the age of gold
    When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling
    And the whole world sends back the song
    Which now the angels sing!