 | Ad Matrem |  |
15
V.
About the time when Jesus should be born,
Wise men in distant countries saw a star
New-set in beaven; and followed it afar
Night after night, untired from dusk till morn.
Wise men in distant countries saw a star
New-set in beaven; and followed it afar
Night after night, untired from dusk till morn.
They rode their camels hard, and hurried them
Across the waste and through the wilderness;
The star went still in front, and shone no less
Until at length they reached Jerusalem.
Across the waste and through the wilderness;
The star went still in front, and shone no less
Until at length they reached Jerusalem.
It did not cross their minds to hope to find
The king except in Herod's palace; since
They only knew the star foretold a prince,
And not the meek Redeemer of mankind.
The king except in Herod's palace; since
They only knew the star foretold a prince,
And not the meek Redeemer of mankind.
Herod's dark mind grew darker as he heard
Their tale. He smiled and scoffed, and smiled again.
But while he seemed to treat it with disdain,
He gave attentive heed to every word.
Their tale. He smiled and scoffed, and smiled again.
But while he seemed to treat it with disdain,
He gave attentive heed to every word.
16
What new king can it be when I am king?
I am the king whose kingdom has no end.
Thus Herod's vain thoughts mocked him. I will send
And slaughter every new-born Caesarling.
I am the king whose kingdom has no end.
Thus Herod's vain thoughts mocked him. I will send
And slaughter every new-born Caesarling.
These three wise kings are fools, he thought; and I
Should be a greater fool if men adore
Another king while I am king. Before
That happens, though, the new-born king shall die.
Should be a greater fool if men adore
Another king while I am king. Before
That happens, though, the new-born king shall die.
His wicked thought was prophecy; but still,
Though the king died, it was not to be yet.
Men plan and work their crimes; but they forget
All things are subject to the Almighty will.
Though the king died, it was not to be yet.
Men plan and work their crimes; but they forget
All things are subject to the Almighty will.
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