Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles

Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

When, on the midnight of the East, At the dead moment of repose,Like hope on misery's darkened breast, The planet of salvation rose,—

The shepherd, leaning o'er his flocks, Started with broad and upward gaze—Kneeled—while the Star of Bethlehem broke On music wakened into praise.

The Arabian sage, to hail our King, With Persia's star-led magi comes;And all, with reverent homage bring Their gifts of gold and odorous gums.

If heathen sages, from afar, Followed, when darkness round them spread,The kindling glories of that star, And worshipped where its radiance led,—

Shall we, for whom that star was hung In the dark vault of frowning heaven,—Shall we, for whom that strain was sung, That song of peace and sin forgiven,—

Shall we, for whom the Saviour bled, Careless his banquet's-blessings see,Nor heed the parting word that said "Do this in memory of me?"