I
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 favour’d lady, Gloria!
II
‘For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favour’d lady, Gloria!
III
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her heard,
‘to me be as it pleaseth god’, she said, my soul shall laud and magnify his holy name,
Most highly favour’d lady, Gloria!
IV
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 favour’d lady Gloria!