THIRD REX. I ride wandering in wayes wide, Over mountains and dales; I wot not where I am. Now, King of all Kings, send me such guide That I might have knowledge of this country's name. Ah! yonder I see a sight, by seeming all afar, The which betokens some news, as I trow; As, me-think, a child pearing in a star. I trust He be come that shall defend us from woe. Two Kings yonder I see, And to them will I ride For to have their company; I trust they will me abide. Hail comely Kings and gent! Good sirs, I pray you, whither are ye meant? FIRST REX. To seek a child is our intent, Which betokens yonder star, as ye may see. SECOND REX. To Him I purpose this present. THIRD REX. Sirs, I pray you, and that right humbly, With you that I may ride in company. To Almighty God now pray we That His precious person we may see. _Here_ HEROD _cometh in again and the messenger saith:_ NUNTIUS.--Hail, lord most of might! Thy commandement is right; Into thy land is come this night Three kings, and with them a great company. HEROD. What make those kings in this country? NUNTIUS. To seek a king and a child, they say. HEROD. Of what age should he be? NUNTIUS. Scant twelve days old fully. HEROD. And was he so late born? NUNTIUS. Eh, sir, so they showed me, this same day in the morn. HEROD. Now, in pain of death bring them me beforn. And therefore, herald, now hie thee in haste, In all speed that thou were dight, Or that those kings the country be past; Look thou bring them all three before my sight. And in Jerusalem inquire more of that child; But I warn thee that thy words be mild, For there must thou heed and craft wield How to fordo his power, and those three kings shall be beguiled. NUNTIUS. Lord, I am ready at your bidding, To serve thee as my lord and king; For joy thereof, lo, how I spring With light heart and fresh gambolling, Aloft here on this mould! HEROD. Then speed thee forth hastily, And look that thou bear thee evenly; And also, I pray thee heartily, That thou do commend me Both to young and old. [_The_ Messenger _goes to the_ Kings.] NUNTIUS. Hail, sir kings, in your degree! Herod, king of these countries wide, Desireth to speak with you all three, And for your coming he doth abide. FIRST REX. Sir, at his will we be right bain. Hie us, brethren, unto that lord's place; To speak with him we would be fain; That child that we seek, He grant us of His grace! [_They go to_ HEROD.] NUNTIUS. Hail, lord without peer! These three kings here have we brought. HEROD. Now welcome, sir kings, all in-fere! But of my bright blee, sirs, abash ye not! Sir kings, as I understand, A star hath guided you into my land, Wherein great hearting ye have found By reason of her beams bright.