Lads were in a sweat of a hurry
but argued about leaving t’sheep.
Seth said it were too much of a worry
if all went. Wolves ‘ud make us weep
over losses; best if someone stayed.
So dogs and Seth were left behind.
That were a mistake. It laid
us open to nagging; what kind

of chaps kings were, how dressed –
drove us daft wi’ his shouts
for’t tale again; how he pressed
and hinted at what we’d left out.
Said as he’d done his good turn
where were gold to grease his toil –
where his sweet sticks to burn –
where his share of the spoils?

We told him again about t’stall;
stinking lamps for light,
dusty hay, and the cattle all
blowing warmth at the mite;
them looking on as if mazed
would speak if they’d tongue,
as if they knew more than could say
at the wonder he might become.

We rounded on him – Seth!
We’ve bin blest wi’ a glimpse
o’ glory and that’s a wealth
enough for us – whist!
Settle now and know
that when you stayed
out o’t glittering show
you’d a big part to play.

Dost think we could
steal from a helpless ewe
and her wide-eyed lamb!
We’d sooner hunger and keep true
to t’signs the angel told,
fasten faith in a lordchild’s birth
than fail it for pieces of gold
wi’ God riding down that light
to our bit of earth!

Nay Seth, be told!