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 Immanuel, 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, Immanuel, 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!


Basque Carol paraphrased by
Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)