University of Virginia Library


42

II.

“And laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”—Luke ii. 7.

No room for Judah's Daughter, David's Heir,
In their own city? There was greater dearth
Of loyal faith than room. That wondrous birth
Which the glad choirs of heaven in songs declare,
Mortals regard not. Room was none to spare,
Or in the crowded khan or halls of mirth,
For Him, the Prince of all the kings of earth!
The Holy Family a stable share!
There was no room upon Judea's throne:
The Idumean, Cæsar's vassal, reigned.
The long-expected came unto His own,
And to receive their King His own disdained.
Ah! such is still man's blind, ungrateful part;
There is no room for Christ within the heart.