The exact date that Tate composed this ancient hymn is unknown, but we do know that the words appeared in Tate and Nicholas Brady's 1700 supplement to their New Versions of the Psalms of David in 1696. It was the only Christmas carol authorized to be sung by the Anglican church; before 1700, only the Psalms were allowed to be sung. It is based on Luke 2:8-14.
This carol is the only one of the 16 works in the 1700 supplement to still be sung today. It is commonly sung by two different tunes: Winchester Old in the United Kingdom (this is the one I know) and a variation on a Handel aria arranged by Lowell Mason in the United States.
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind.
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind."
“To you, in David’s town, this day
Is born of David’s line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign."
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."
Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the Earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from Heaven to men
Begin and never cease!"
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