I'll tell you a tale of the olden time

by Gerald Moultrie

commissioned by Waitrose plc for the London Pro Arte Choir and the choir of Belmont School, Mill Hill, for their 2004 Christmas concert in aid of Childline

I'll tell you a tale of the olden time,
While the Yule log burns bright, and the church bells chime.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
There sat a fair Princess in joy on her throne,
And there in her arms her Infant was shown:
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

The beasts of the meadows bowed down their head
All under the moonlight so softly shed.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
They worshipped the King of Creation there
In the arms of the Mother so passing fair.
Gloria in excelsis.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

O who are these masters of ancient mould?
O these are the shepherds, the lords of the fold;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
They have heard from the sky of the birth of their King,
They have heard all the sky with the harmony ring.
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

The Kings of the East in number three,
All worship the Monarch of high degree;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Their tribute they offer, their heads they bow,
And clearer and clearer is echoing now,
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

For all the zenith is blazing with light,
And musical voices enrapture the night;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
O this is the carol of peace and goodwill
From the voices celestial, the zenith that fill;
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.


Gerald Moultrie (1829-1885)

• choral - mixed voices accompanied