Chanticleer Huron Carol
The Huron Carol ('Twas In The Moon of Winter Time)
'Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had
fled
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering
hunters heard the hymn,
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis
gloria.
Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was
found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round
But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang
loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis
gloria.
The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and
fair
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox
and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis
gloria.
O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for
you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty
peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis
gloria.
Words: Jean de Brebeuf, ca. 1643; trans by Jesse Edgar
Middleton, 1926
Music: French Canadian melody (tune name: Jesous
Ahatonhia)
