And this my triumphant fame most highliest doth abound Throughout this world in all regions abroad, Resembling the favour of that most mighty Mahound; From Jupiter by descent and cousin to the great God, And named the most renowned King Herod, Which that all princes hath under subjection, And all their whole power under my protection. And therefore, my herald, here, called Calchas, Warn thou every port that no ships arrive, Nor also alien stranger through my realm pass, But they for their truage do pay marks five. Now speed thee forth hastily, For they that will the contrary, Upon a gallows hanged shall be, And, by Mahound, of me they get no grace. NUNTIUS. Now, lord and master, in all the hast Thy worthy will it shall be wrought, And thy royal countries shall be past. In as short time as can be throught. HEROD. Now shall our regions throughout be sought In every place both east and west; If any caitiffs to me be brought, It shall be nothing for their best. And the while that I do rest, Trumpets, viols, and other harmony Shall bless the waking of my majesty. _Here_ HEROD _goeth away and the three kings speaketh in the street._ FIRST REX. Now blessed be God of his sweet sond, For yonder a fair bright star I do see! Now is he comen us among, As the prophet said that it should be. A said there should a babe be born, Coming of the root of Jesse, To save mankind that was forlorn; And truly comen now is He. Reverence and worship to Him will I do, As God and man, that all made of nought. All the prophets accorded and said even so, That with his precious blood mankind should be bought. He grant me grace, By yonder star that I see, And into that place Bring me, That I may Him worship with humility And see His glorious face. SECOND REX. Out of my way I deem that I am, For tokens of this country can I none see; Now God, that on earth madest man, Send me some knowledge where that I be! Yonder, me-thinks, a fair bright star I see, The which betokeneth the birth of a child That hither is come to make man free; He born of a maid, and she nothing defiled. To worship that child is mine intent; Forth now will I take my way. I trust some company God hath me sent, For yonder I see a king labour on the way; Toward him now will I ride. Hark! comely King, I you pray, Into what coast will ye this tide Or whither lies your journey? FIRST REX. To seek a child is mine intent, Of whom the prophetes hath meant; The time is come, now is he sent, By yonder star here may [I] see. SECOND REX.--Sir, I pray you, with your license, To ride with you unto His presence; To Him will I offer frankincense, For the Head of all Holy Church shall He be.