 | Ad Matrem |  |
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VIII.
And while the shepherds loitered, suddenly
The kings arrive, with all their numerous train;
Those who had come with so much toil and pain
Following the kindly star, that they might see
The kings arrive, with all their numerous train;
Those who had come with so much toil and pain
Following the kindly star, that they might see
The new-born King. The shepherds were afraid
At such a sight; but Mary had no fear.
Saint Joseph bade the visitors come near,
Beside the Infant and the spotless maid,
At such a sight; but Mary had no fear.
Saint Joseph bade the visitors come near,
Beside the Infant and the spotless maid,
His holy Mother. While the happy kings,
To whom men knelt, themselves knelt humbly down,
Each offered Him his kingdom and his crown,
And frankincense and myrrh and costly things.
To whom men knelt, themselves knelt humbly down,
Each offered Him his kingdom and his crown,
And frankincense and myrrh and costly things.
God gave the kings such faith that, while they saw
The misery of the stable, and the poor
Weak Babe, they knew that He would give them more
Than they gave Him. They knew His mighty law
The misery of the stable, and the poor
Weak Babe, they knew that He would give them more
Than they gave Him. They knew His mighty law
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Is that which guides the stars, and turns the heart,
The wicked heart of man, and makes it clean.
They offer Him their hearts, they beg the Queen
To intercede for them; and they depart
The wicked heart of man, and makes it clean.
They offer Him their hearts, they beg the Queen
To intercede for them; and they depart
As softly as they came. When they were gone
No flush of pride appeared on Mary's cheek;
But to the Child she said, in accents meek:
Thou art my King, my Kingdom; Thou alone
No flush of pride appeared on Mary's cheek;
But to the Child she said, in accents meek:
Thou art my King, my Kingdom; Thou alone
Art all my Riches, Saviour of all men.
Let kings bow low before Thee; deeper still
My heart bows down to Thee, my God; until
Thou crown me in Thy glory, Child. Amen.
Let kings bow low before Thee; deeper still
My heart bows down to Thee, my God; until
Thou crown me in Thy glory, Child. Amen.
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