This is an English translation of C.F.D. Schubart's poem "Der Hirten Lied am Kripplein" by S. Knöpfler, 2010

Note that the contrast between the sweetness in the first couple of verses and the rather harshness in the second couple (verging on sarcasm, even sardonicism) is due to the original: Schubart was known for his rebellion against the absolutist feudalism of his time. (Our present time is of course quite different, in social respects and generally, isn't it ? )

The shepherds' song at the manger

Sleep well, you boy from skies' descent,

sleep well, you sweetest child!

The angels, greeting your advent,

fan heavenly breeze so mild.

We lowly shepherds, poor and shy,

we sing a lovely lullaby.

Slumber, slumber,

heaven's young son, slumber!

And Mary, with a mother's eye,

put gently the covers on you.

And watch good Joseph anxiously try

to hold back his breath from you, too!

The sheep and lambs stop bleating wild,

fall silent with you, heaven's child.

Slumber, slumber,

heaven's young son, slumber!

You'll soon grow up, your blood then flows,

from Golgotha's cross it will lave;

man's hatred causes you death throes,

and then you will rest in the grave.

Keep always closed the little eye,

you need the sweet rest, hushaby!

Slumber, slumber,

heaven's young son, slumber!

Thus many babies will fall asleep

in mother's lap, secure,

but, grown up, they will have to weep,

tormented and worried and poor.

Oh, Jesus Child, with all your grace

help them their lot to calmly embrace!

Slumber, slumber,

heaven's young son, slumber!

For the original poem, its (late 18th century) German words can be found here on the Web.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Friedrich_Daniel_Schubart gives interesting info on the many facets of this important musician, poet and (political) journalist. The English entry en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Friedrich_Daniel_Schubart imparts, alas, a rather one-sided image.