Donkey plod and Mary ride, weary Joseph walk beside, theirs the way that all men come, dark the night and far from home: down the years remember them, come away to Bethlehem. Mary's child, on Christmas Eve, none but ox and ass receive; theirs the manger and the stall where is laid the Lord of all: down the years remember them, come away to Bethlehem. Angels throng the midnight sky: `Glory be to God on high!' Theirs the song that sounds abroad, `Born a Saviour, Christ the Lord': down the years remember them, come away to Bethlehem. Shepherds haste the watch to keep where their Maker lies asleep; theirs the angels' promised sign, `Born for us a child divine': down the years remember them, come away to Bethlehem. Ancient kings from eastern skies trace the way of all the wise, theirs the shining star, to find light to lighten all mankind: down the years remember them, come away to Bethlehem. Shepherds, kings and angel throngs, teach us where our joy belongs; souls restored and sins forgiven, Christ on earth the hope of heaven: down the years rejoice in them, come away to Bethlehem.