The First Noel

The First Noel (pisane też jako The First Noël lub The First Nowell) – tradycyjna angielska kolęda, pochodząca prawdopodobnie z XVIII wieku^[1]. Słowo Noel wywodzi się od francuskiego słowa Noël oznaczającego Boże Narodzenie.

Kolęda, która ma kornwalijskie początki, w swojej aktualnej formie została po raz pierwszy opublikowana w 1823 roku w Carols Ancient and Modern, a w 1833 w Gilbert and Sandys Carols. Obie wersje zostały wydane pod redakcją Williama Sandysa oraz Daviesa Gilberta, który napisał również dodatkowe słowa dla Hymns and Carols of God. Obecnie kolędę wykonuje się z czterema zwrotkami, a nie sześcioma jak to było wcześniej. Jej nową aranżację przygotował angielski kompozytor John Stainer i opublikował w Carols, New and Old w 1871 roku^[1].

[1]

Wersja angielska	Wersja kornwalijska	Wersja amerykańska
1. The first Nowell the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep: Refren Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.	1. O well, O well, the Angels did say To shepherds there in the fields did lay; Late in the night a-folding their sheep, A winter's night, both cold and bleak. Refren O well, O well, O well, O well, Born is the King of Israel.	1. The first Noel, the angels say To Bethlehem's shepherds as they lay. At midnight watch, when keeping sheep, The winter wild, the light snow deep. Refren Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel.
2. They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the east, beyond them far: And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night:	2. And then there did appear a Star, Whose glory then did shine so far: Unto the earth it gave a great light, And there it continued a day and a night.	2. The shepherds rose, and saw a star Bright in the East, beyond them far, Its beauty gave them great delight, This star it set now day nor night.
3. And by the light of that same star, Three Wise Men came from country far; To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the star whersoever it went:	3. And by the light of that same Star, Three Wise Men came from country far; To seek a King was their intent - They follow'd the Star wherever it went.	3. Now by the light of this bright star Three wise men came from country far; They sought a king, such their intent, The star their guide where'er it went.
4. This star drew nigh to the north-west; O'er Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay Right over the place where Jesus lay:	4. The Star went before them unto the North West, And seemed o'er the City of Bethlehem to rest, And there did remain by night and by day, Right over the place where Jesus Christ lay.	4. Then drawing nigh to the northwest, O'er Bethlehem town it took its rest; The wise men learnt its cause of stay, And found the place where Jesus lay.
5. Then entered in those Wise Men three, Fell reverently upon their knee, And offered there in his presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense:	5. Then enter'd in these Wise Men three, With reverence fall on their knee, And offer'd up in His presence The gifts of gold and frankincense.
6. Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made heaven and earth of nought, And with his blood mankind hath bought:	6. 'Tween an ox manger and an ass, Our Blest Messiah's place it was; To save us all from bond and thrall, He was a Redeemer for us all!

The First Noel

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