Lyrics WHAT CHILD IS THIS? The tune to this carol is Greensleves. Rumor has it that Henry VIII wrote the song for Anne Boleyn - but, it is only rumor. We do know it was around in Elizabethan times since Shakespeare mentions it by name in his play The Merry Wives of Windsor. It is played while traitors are hanged. (Charming!) In 1865 William Chatterton Dix wrote The Manger Throne. Three verses of this poem became What Child is This? What child is this, who laid to rest On Mary's lap, is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this, is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste, to bring Him laud The Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding?Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through. The cross be born for me, for you. Hail. Hail. The Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh. Come peasant, king to own Him. The King of Kings salvation brings. Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise the song on high. The Virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.