Comedies, Tragi-comedies, With other Poems by Mr William Cartwright ... The Ayres and Songs set by Mr Henry Lawes |
On the Epiphany.
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Comedies, Tragi-comedies, With other Poems | ||
On the Epiphany.
1 Mag.See this is He, whose Star
Did becken us from far;
2 Ma.
And this the Mother whom the Heavens do
Honour, and like Her, bring forth New Stars too.
3 Ma.
I know not which my Thoughts ought first admire:
Here Shew, O Heav'n, another guiding fire.
Cho.
Alas, this Wonder's so above our Skill,
That though w' have found him, we may seek him still.
1 Ma.
Since that our own are Silenc'd, This Mouth be
A more Inspired Oracle to me.
2 Ma.
And these Eyes be my Stars, my Light,
3 Ma.
And this Hand wash an Ethiop white.
Cho.
Wisdom Commands the Stars (we say)
But it was Ours thus to obey.
1 Ma.
He makes our Gold seem Pebble stone;
2 Ma.
Sure 'tis their Greater Solomon;
1 Ma.
Our Myrrh and Frankinsence must not Contest;
3 Ma.
Diviner Perfumes breath from off her Breast.
2 Ma.
Blest Babe, receive our now disparag'd store:
3 Ma.
And where we cann't express, let us Adore.
Cho.
Who against Policy will hence convince,
That Land is blest, that hath so young a Prince.
To the King.
But as those Wise enrich'd his Stable, You
Great Soveraign, have enrich'd his Temple too,
The Inn by You hath not the Church beguil'd;
The Manger to the Altar's Reconcil'd:
320
Instead of Three Kings, Fame shall speak of One.
Cho.
Since then, &c.
Comedies, Tragi-comedies, With other Poems | ||