Stephen - Steeleye Span

Stephen was a stable groom

He watered five foals all and some

Ere the morning star was risen

Nor daylight to be seen

He saw a star was fair and bright

Over Bedl’em standing

Of a truth the Prophet now is born

That all the world shall ransom

He leads the foals from water

By that star so gleaming

And he is gone into the hall

Where Herod sat amusing

There is a child in Bedl’em born

And He is better than we all

Herod answered thus to Him

I’ll not believe your story

I’ll not believe your story, boy

Till the ragged bird that is on the board

Claps his wings and crows my Lord

In truth it is his birthday

Now Herod sat and he did wait

The bird came together on the plate

Feathered was he never so fair

As he flew up on the red gold chair

He clapped his wings and he crew so fair

My Lord this is his birthday

And Herod down from his kingly seat

In grief has fell a swooning

Stephen was a stable groom

He watered five foals all and some

Ere the morning star was risen

Nor daylight to be seen