Then Simeon took the Holy Child Into his arms, and said: "Bless Thee, my God, for all the way Thou hast Thy servant led. "And now let me depart in peace According to Thy word, Since my old eyes have haply seen My Saviour and my Lord; "Whom Thou hast sent into the world, To lighten all mankind, And that Thy people, Israel, Their precious Prince may find." Then Joseph and the virgin Were filled with great surprise At the words that Simeon uttered-- So grave, devout and wise. And Simeon blessed both parents, And said to Mary then, "This child is set that Israel May fall and rise again; "And for a sign, which wicked tongues Shall slander and indict, And that the thoughts of evil hearts May be exposed to sight." The Prophetess. THEN, also, lived one Anna, A prophetess of God, Who, in His faith and service, Her way, through life, had trod. She was an aged widow, too, Daughter of Israel's race; And, coming in that instant, She joined in thanks and praise; And then throughout the city went, And told the glorious news From house to house, wherever dwelt The pious, hopeful Jews; Told that the great Messiah, Long looked for, now had come, An infant in a virgin's arms, And in a lowly home. The Wise Men. NOW, when this wondrous babe was born Into his low estate, Another strange event occurred, Which Scripture doth relate. There dwelt, far off, in eastern land, Wise men devout and good Who nature's grandest mysteries Revered and understood. One night as eagerly they scanned The splendors of the sky, They saw a new, strange star appear Among the worlds on high; And said it came thus suddenly Important news to bring-- The sign that Balaam had foretold-- Of Israel's glorious King. And when they reached Jerusalem, "Where is your King?" they said, "For we have come to worship Him, And by his star were led." This question greatly troubled Proud Herod, on the throne, For, in the land of Judah, He would be King alone. At once he called the priests and scribes, Demanding they should tell In what place had it been foretold That Christ should come to dwell. And readily they answered-- Nor waited to take note-- "In Bethlehem of Judea," For thus the prophet wrote: "Thou Bethlehem, in Judah's land, Art not 'mongst princes small; For out of thee shall come a Prince And rule my people all." Then Herod for the wise men called, And, with foreboding fear, He bade them tell him just what time The star did first appear; And said: "Go search in Bethlehem, And when the babe you find, I, too, will come and worship Him, For thus I am inclined." The wise men were rejoiced to see The radiant star once more, And gladly followed, as it led The way to Joseph's door.