The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame:
‘All hail,’ said he, ‘thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady!’ Gloria!
‘For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be;
All generations laud and honour thee:
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.
Most highly favoured lady!’ Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
‘To me be as it pleaseth God!’ she said.
‘My soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name.’
Most highly favoured lady!’ Gloria!
Of her Emmanuel, the Christ, was born,
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn;
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
Most highly favoured lady!’ Gloria!