Far away where space is lonely, In the ether driftings far, With a twilight glimmer only, Shone a star. All the lordlier suns about her Shot their fingers in her face; Shook their flaming locks to scout her Modest grace. Underneath those fiery fingers She reflected back a smile, As, the hot sun gone, still lingers Light awhile. Came the day of all the eons, Came the thrones that kingliest are, Searching through the Lord's dominions For a star. Passing with swift eyes and holy Those proud suns vainglorious, "Come," said they to her, the lowly, "Come with us." Sped they through the starry mazes, Fleet as thoughts of God they sped, With the growing of all graces On her head; With the glowing and the growing Of a soft, imperial light, Fed within her by the flowing Of that flight; Till, the herald of the era Of God's blessed Avatar, Flamed she forth upon Judaea, -- Bethlehem's star! |