MELCHIOR, Gaspar, Balthazar -- Great gifts they bore and meet; White linen for His body fair And purple for His feet; And golden things -- the joy of kings -- And myrrh to breathe Him sweet. It was the shepherd Terish spake, "Oh, poor the gift I bring -- A little cross of broken twigs, A hind's gift to a king -- Yet, haply, He may smile to see And know my offering." And it was Mary held Her Son Full softly to her breast, "Great gifts and sweet are at Thy feet And wonders king-possessed, O little Son, take Thou the one That pleasures Thee the best." It was the Christ-Child in her arms Who turned from gaud and gold, Who turned from wondrous gifts and great, From purple woof and fold, And to His breast the cross He pressed That scarce His hands could hold. 'Twas king and shepherd went their way -- Great wonder tore their bliss; 'Twas Mary clasped her little Son Close, close to feel her kiss, @3And in His hold the cross lay cold Between her heart and His!@1 |