We seek from the hill the vale, And from the vale the hill. 2ND KING. From the ends of the morning, rest; And from the East the West. 3RD KING. In the darkness we seek fire, And out of dreams the heart’s desire! And, if to-day we fail, To-morrow we seek it still. GABRIEL. Are ye not weary, seeking so? Are ye not laden with care? 1ST KING. We are not weary. If our feet be slow, ’Tis with the burden of the Love we bear. It is our longing for the Light we seek Which makes us weak. GABRIEL. What is the longing of each one? 3RD KING. Melchior, wilt thou first speak? 2ND KING. Too slow my footsteps move For the goal I seek to prove. My body is a waste, Through which my soul doth haste, Famished until it taste Its nameless new desire! A flame my spirit owns, Ashes are all my bones, Love lights in me such fire! I thirst! my throat is dried! I ask;--am still denied! Cry to be satisfied: Yet only as Love will. Now, if He come not first, Not death, but ease were worst;-- Let me die, thirsting still! GABRIEL. And you? 3RD KING. I have such Love! Beauty, I know not of, Hath laid on me the vision of its Light. When that Light shines, earth’s ends Therein shall all be friends: They shall not hurt nor kill, but on the height Named Holy shall be peace. Then shall all warfare cease, And every king his crown Shall at the cradle of a new-born Babe lay down. GABRIEL. And thou, that standest last, Say what desire thou hast? 1ST KING. For Earth’s waiting to be done; For God to send forth His Son, Godhead and man made one! That creation, wrought afresh, May be finished and made whole; That the Word may become Flesh, And Earth receive her soul! Pray we for this, Seeing well how good it is. GABRIEL. Behold, this night shall bring you to your bliss. 3RD KING. Whence comes thy knowledge to make hope so near? GABRIEL. Oh, let your ears be opened till they hear! Open your eyes, and mark with fearless sight The throng of thanksgiving which fills this night: Nor walks on heaven alone, but earth as well! Sound in sweet tone, celestial Choirs, and tell! ANGELS (_appearing_). Glory to God In the Highest! Who unto man Now comes nighest. Peace be to earth! Goodwill to all! Christ the new Birth Redeems man’s fall. 1ST KING. Oh, ye blest sounds, be as the air we breathe! 2ND KING. Oh, fair things seen, your light to us bequeath! 3RD KING. And if there be an ending to our quest, Show, now, where lies our rest! GABRIEL.