Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume IV. The Higher Life. 1904. | | | | I. The Divine Element—(God, Christ, the Holy Spirit) | | Epiphany | | Reginald Heber (1783–1826) |
| | | | “We have seen his star in the east.” |
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BRIGHTEST and best of the sons of the morning, | |
| Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; | |
| Star of the East, the horizon adorning, | |
| Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. | |
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| Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining, | 5 |
| Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; | |
| Angels adore him in slumber reclining, | |
| Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all. | |
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| Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, | |
| Odors of Edom, and offerings divine? | 10 |
| Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean, | |
| Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine? | |
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| Vainly we offer each ample oblation, | |
| Vainly with gifts would his favor secure; | |
| Richer by far is the heart’s adoration, | 15 |
| Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. | |
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| Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, | |
| Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid: | |
| Star of the East, the horizon adorning, | |
| Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. | 20 | | | |
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