122 REDEMPTION.
For, with majsstic tread from forth the light, Comes one, whose mien betokens not of earth."
Whilst yet they spake, th' archangel Gabriel, swift Approaching, stood before the wond'ring band. Enchanted, yet o'erwhelmed with awe and fear, They, prostrate, hide their faces from his view. Whom he, his brilliance eheck'd, in accents soft, Measured to soothe, thus comforting address'd :
" Fear not, for lo, good tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all peoples, bring I you; To you, preferr'd before the great and wise; For God exalts th' humble, himself reveals To babes, but from the wise and prudent hides, And whom the world deems foolish, .chief esteems. From such, the patriarchs calFd, and Isai's son, Pastors as you, who humbly kept their flocks, And merited to fill that line, which ends In Him, whom Israel doth long expect, Th' anointed Son, long hoped, at length arrived ; For, in the city 'of David, now, to day, Is born to you a Saviour, Christ the Lord. The Infant, wrapp'd in swaddling clothes, you '11 find, And in a manger, midst the lowing herd, Obscurely laid; and this shall be your sign."
Suddenly, shining in the starry vault, A host of heav'nly messengers appear, Who, jubilant, exult, and praises sing :
" Glory to God be in the highest giv^n, And peace on earth to men of good will come. Behold the Prodigy, earth, and hail The new born Infant, Christ thy Lord and King, Who now doth visit and redeem the race.
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