The Innkeeper's Wife's Tale

The Innkeeper's Wife's Tale

There came a knock upon the door so late,
A couple on a donkey called that night,
The woman, well in labour, could not wait,
They needed room and shelter in their plight.

I said we had not any room to spare,
The census brought so many to the town,
I had but lowly stable they could share,
With ox and ass they might at least lie down.

The woman looked so sad with weary head,
I could not rest that night, nor close my eyes,
I thought I saw a star above the shed
And heard the sound of singing from the skies.

With trembling heart I went the next day morn,
To see the shepherds gaze in wondrous awe,
The Christ-child in the cattle-shed was born,
In deep remorse I knelt upon the straw.