University of Virginia Library

'Twas when the cruel Idumæan reign'd,
His Childrens' Butcher, and Judæa's Scourge
Severe! Fit Head, and worthy to command
That wry-neck'd People with an Iron-Rod.
Nathless, in festal Pomp, Salem serene
Rejoic'd, and to her Temple's lofty Gate
With smother'd Curses climb'd; yet well at Ease,
And reck'd not, tho' with sorest Bondage gall'd,
'Long as the broad Phylactery remain'd,
The Market-greetings, and the Chairs of Pride!
Save who, attentive to Prophetic Song,
Explor'd the sacred Rolls, mystical Leaves
And Days and Years computing, found the Time
Big with foretold Events, and ripe for Birth.
The World, not only Judah, but the World
That Time stood gazing; for the Fame was rise,
And widely scatter'd, that a mighty Prince
Should rise, and rule the Universe. But most
The Sons of Solyma with eager haste
Open'd their spacious Portals to let in
The great Messiah; or on Zion's Top
Expectant, when the Saviour shou'd descend,
In his Ætherial Equipage, all arm'd
With Angels and with Thunder; when arrive
And his triumphal Entry glorious make,
On Plumes of Seraphim, in fiery Car.
Fond! to believe his Presence shou'd avail
Their Spleen and Hebrew Gall; with angry Bolt
Smiting the blasted Foe.—He gracious came
With Balm upon his healing Wings; he came
Not to destroy, but lift the World to Heav'n.
Yes he was born, and (in a Stable laid,
A Manger) from his Cradle lectur'd Pride,
And left inferior Royalty to blush
In Purple. Were Gold of intrinsick Worth,
Or Gems; think we, Creation had denied
Her Author these? cou'd thankless Nature grudge
The Giver his own Gifts? She at a Nod
Had pour'd her inmost Treasure up to Day,
Had roll'd her Pearl and Coral all ashore,
To deck her Infant King.—Nor Tokens none
Of Grandeur: Hymning Angels sung the Tale,
In Heav'nly Chorus, over Bethlem's Field:
Sung it to lowly Shepherds, as they lay
Tending their fleecy Charge: They listen'd glad,
And from their Hovels drank immortal Strains.

Why, in the Firmament, that beaming Star
New-kindled? Ask the Magi; from beyond
Euphrates, cross Arabian Sand and Rocks
They came, directed by the Meteor-guide:
Which hov'ring o'er the Straw-roof'd Palace spoke
Their Journey's End, with Ray down-pointed. Soon
The swarthy Worthies ope their precious Casks,
And open'd, on the bended Knee present
Oblation rich, Gold, Myrrh, and Frankincense;
Hailing the King, the Prophet, and the God.

The Virgin Mother pensive, as in doubt
What these Portents might mean, and whither lead,
With Tenderness extreme, and mingled Awe,
Hung o'er the Child enamour'd. Much of Seers
Antique, and Angel-Talk revolving, she
With Care and Wonder rock'd the holy Babe.