University of Virginia Library

A MYSTERY

Shepherds.
Sirs, What have you?

Wise Men.
A mystery.

Shepherds.
O, may we know it?

Wise Men.
Yea, hear and see!
Myrrh for a death, and gold for a king;
And incense meet for a Heavenly Thing.

Shepherds.
Sirs, how came ye?

Wise Men.
By crooked ways.

Shepherds.
What is your guerdon?

Wise Men.
Love and Praise;
Love for a Mother, Praise for a Birth,
A Star in Heaven and a Star on Earth.

Joseph.
Sirs, whence came ye?

Wise Men.
From old Chaldee.

Joseph.
What is your secret?

Wise Men.
That we see.
Mother and Maiden undefiled,
Gifts of Grace for a wondrous Child.

Shepherds.
Who are yon bright ones?

Wise Men.
Yea, we know!

Shepherds.
What is their secret?

Wise Men.
Ay, 'tis so!

Angel.
Peace on the Earth, goodwill to men,
And shining angels to cry Amen.

Angels.
Alleluia! Amen.