Jesous Ahatonhia
Jesous Ahatonhia
[Huron Christmas Carol, circa 1641]
Original Text
Middleton, Jesse Edgar. "Jesous Ahatonhia." Canadian Poetry in English. Comp. Bliss Carman, Lorne Pierce and V. B. Rhodenizer. Toronto: Ryerson Press, 1954. 157-58. PS8273 .C37 1954 Robarts Library
1'Twas in the moon of the winter time when all the birds had fled
3 Before their light the stars grew dim
4 And wand'ring hunters heard the hymn
5 "Jesus, your King is born,
6 Jesus is born;
7 In Excelsis Gloria!"
8Within a lodge of broken bark the tender Babe was found.
9A ragged robe of rabbit-skin enwrapped His beauty 'round;
10 And as the hunter braves drew nigh
11 The angel song ran loud and high
12 "Jesus, your King is born,
13 Jesus is born;
14 In Excelsis Gloria!"
15The earliest moon of winter time is not so round and fair
16As was the ring of glory on the helpless Infant there,
17 While Chiefs from far before Him knelt
18 With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
19 "Jesus, your King is born,
20 Jesus is born;
21 In Excelsis Gloria!"
22O children of the forest free, O sons of Manitou,
23The Holy Child of earth and heav'n is born today for you.
24 Come, kneel before the radiant Boy
25 Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
26 "Jesus, your King is born,
27 Jesus is born;
28 In Excelsis Gloria!"
Notes
2] Gitshi Manitou: Ojibway name for God. Back to Line
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2009
Rhyme
Form