New English words to the Russian Carol, Ночь тиха над Палестиной "Noch tikha nad Palestinoi" ("Quiet Night Over Palestine")
You can see the original Russian version and
my line-by-line English translation here: Ночь тиха над Палестиной
1.
Night is still o'er ancient Israel,
Earth is tired and slumbers on.
Mountains, forests, hills, and valleys—
Dark of night has hid them all.
2.
There in Bethlehem so wearied,
All the lights were finally out;
Only in remotest pastures,
Shepherds kept their night lookout.
3.
They knew nothing nor suspected;
So to pass the weary night,
Seated then they started talking,
With the comp'ny of firelight.
4.
Suddenly th'angelic voice came;
Trembling took the men with fear;
And in robes of snow-white brilliance,
[An] Angel of the Lord appeared.
5.
"Do not fear nor yet be anxious:
From the Lord in Heav'n Above,
Come I now with revelation
That your hearts rejoice in Love.
6.
"Mercy to the earth God sends now:
Christ, Himself, the Sovereign King.
Sinful earth He comes to ransom—
Gives Himself as offering!"
7.
(Repeat verse 1)
Night is still o'er ancient Israel,
Earth is tired and slumbers on.
Mountains, forests, hills, and valleys—
Dark of night has hid them all.
Listen to three versions of the original song sung in Russian:
