Let us rejoice and be glad, you shepherds' hosts

Let us rejoice and be glad, shepherd armies, ; For an angel has just announced new news to us. ; Believe me, my good friends, I was so frightened, ; That I saw a light, but I did not fall backwards. ; ; Having my rattling staff with me, I rattled it well, ; I thought the unknown light was a lamp. ; My two eyes almost went out, I looked so hard, ; But I did not dare to move around with a staff. ; ; But the angel encouraged me, saying, do not be afraid, ; Rather, let me sing joyfully with my other companions. ; For a lord, the Messiah, is born in the city of Bethlehem, ; Why, we shepherds, can rightly rejoice greatly. ; ; I also jump to my feet, that he spoke to me thus, ; Throwing aside my hut, I jump out of my place. ; But my misfortune is even greater, its strap has come loose, ; I stepped back into a pit, my foot fell to my knees. ; ; Therefore, my good friends, let us prepare for Jesus, ; Tonight for a king born of a beautiful virgin. ; Let us bring him a gift, let us fall at his feet, ; And then let us begin the beautiful music.