The collected poems of Arthur Edward Waite :: :: University of Virginia Library

Too long unmindful of the great concern,
We did from errors of our way return,
From strange side-issues and from paths involved.
Thenceforth on reasonable life resolved,
Our sins fell from us; and unloosed with these
Were many morganatic marriages,
Incurr'd regardless of the sacred things
Which life imposes on the Sons of Kings—
Who wait for restoration to their own,
Since old mischance deprived of crown and throne.
Full many plans we tried in vain since then,
Nor did neglect the arts and crafts of men
Uncertain of the ends to which they lead;
But there was little for the greater need
Which on the Sons of Kings full sadly falls,
Hearing their former country's far off calls.

Set now with steadfast feet in these new ways,
What quest might glorify our later days
Whose hearts so high were fix'd on things above?
Ah, friends! Regarding thus the place of love,
What could we seek herein to hear or see
But the sweet rumours of its mystery?
Of Him who shall at length our crown restore
Some faint reflections on this earthly shore?

And so it fell that from the dream we kept
Within our hearts, a flame of ardour leapt,
Till we, drawn forth to seek in every place
The tidings of His presence and His grace,
Did in the end, by golden legends led,
A realm of mystery and wonder tread,
Chosen from all the places of the earth,
To see God manifest by human birth.

Kings which had follow'd, from their realms afar,
The age-long portent of a certain star;
Priests of a line which since the world began
Was set to offer sacrifice for man;
And, far across the melancholy seas,
The silent keepers of the mysteries;
Met in their crowds upon that haunted ground—
And we, the King's Sons, waiting to be crown'd.

But not alone the royal and the wise,
The pontiffs with illuminated eyes,
Or those who, secretly instructed, knew
How old traditions win fulfilment true:
There also came the shepherds from the hills,
And he who sows the ground and he who tills:
From noisy marts the merchants flock'd in haste;
Came too the lawless rovers of the waste;
And from the city hied the child of sin—
To see God born and a new life begin
To make refreshment in a weary world.

So round about the holy place were furl'd
The nations' banners; peace on nations fell,
And the long strife of creeds was ended well.
The spirit of the world its pride gave up,
And kiss'd the hallows and the holy cup;
The flesh dissolving utter'd as it died
The sacred mass-words, and was purified;
And Lucifer, the Prince, who knelt with them,
Turn'd sweetly praying towards Jerusalem.

So thus it fell, upon a certain morn,
All in the hearts of men, that God was born,
And that we also knew what sacred things
Such birth imposes on the Sons of Kings.