Tune: Divinum Mysterium
(\'Of the Father\'s love begotten\')
Matthew 2 v.13-17
Holy Innocents Day - Dec. 28.
********
Joseph and Mary in dream warned
When King Herod\'s wrath it stormed
They with young child Jesus to flee
To Egypt for safety, see
For Herod would seek to destroy
Him midst massacre of boys
In murderous evil ploys
For Herod sent out the decree
When deceived by wise men, he
Did not get to see child Jeus
Who is Saviour unto us
But saying all boys under two
Should be slain, terrible due
In Beth\'lem and districts too
Then was fulfilled the prophecy
Jeremiah did foresee
In Israel there was a voice heard
Lamentation, every word
And there weeping and great mourning
Rachel* weeping for offspring
Finding comfort in no thing
Why comfortless? Here the scene see
Young children have ceased to be
They are not, they be the Holy
Innocents, were killed cruelly
Remembering their suffering
That such great evil did bring
All for supposed rival King
-------
* Rachel - mother-figure of Israel.