King Arthur’s Waes-Hael

Waes-hael for knight and dame; O merry be their dole; Drink-hael! In Jesu’s name We fill the tawny bowl; But cover down the curving crest, Mould of the Orient Lady’s breast.

Waes-hael! yet lift no lid: Drain ye the reeds for wine. Drink-hael! the milk was hid That soothed that Babe divine; Hush’d, as this hollow channel flows, He drew the balsam from the rose.

Waes-hael! thus glowed the breast Where a God yearned to cling; Drink-hael! so Jesu pressed Life from its mystic spring; Then hush and bend in reverend sign And breathe the thrilling reeds for wine.

Waes-hael! in shadowy scene Lo! Christmas children we: Drink-hael! behold we lean At a far Mother’s knee; To dream that thus her bosom smiled, And learn the lip of Bethlehem’s Child.