Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man! OMNES. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man! 1ST KING. Oh, finished quest! Oh, rest! 2ND KING. Oh, Fount, that first Of all hath satisfied my thirst! 3RD KING. Oh, Light, That brings me sight! 1ST KING. Thou Birth Divine, Behold, The earthly sign Of power and kingship, gold, Here in my hands I hold, And offer, to be Thine. 2ND KING. This frankincense Let be A symbol, whence All men may learn to see How veiled a mystery Defeats man’s sense where Godhead deigns to be. 3RD KING. Oh, Comforter of souls, I bring Thee myrrh. When grief my heart controls And darkness round me rolls, Sweet Saviour, be Thou near! THE THREE KINGS. Thanksgiving, Praise, and Prayer, Three offerings meet, We lay in equal share Before Christ’s feet. MARY. Your welcome gifts, Proffered in love, from Earth to Heaven He lifts. THE KINGS. Now see we Love on Earth His throne! All we have known, Or hoped to gain, Was this alone-- That He might reign! OMNES. That He might reign! Oh, welcome Birth! let all adore The Christ made Man for evermore. THE SHEPHERDS. ’Tis Christmas morn: Come ye, and bow the knee Lo, here we see The perfect Man is born. CHORUS. (_in alternate parts, KINGS and SHEPHERDS_). For this fair Birth (Which now we see!) Shows forth God’s worth, (Then sing we merrily!) And makes glad earth, And brings man mirth, (So sing we merrily this fair Birth!) THE KINGS. ’Tis Christmas Day: Oh pray,--put off your sins! This day begins For man the perfect way. CHORUS (_as before_). For this fair Birth, etc. [_During this song the Attendants of the KINGS have entered._ OMNES. Mother Mary, give us thy Son’s Blessing! (_They sing._) Mary, Gate of Day, Lend thine intercession! Holy Mother Mary, Pray for my transgression! Ere He yet touched Earth, He did first touch thee; Through thy perfect worth God reached down for me. MARY. The word expressed In Flesh hath come; Against my breast The Voice lies dumb, That shall be of all prophecies the sum. Oh, Thou dread Voice Of Heaven’s decree, Who madest choice To dwell with me, Now through my lips, this once, let utterance be! My Peace I leave, My Peace I give: All that receive The same shall live; And tribute hearts win joy retributive.