Richard Watson Gilder

The Celestial Passion. Part 2. 1. A Christmas Hymn

I

Tell me what is this innumerable throng
Singing in the heavens a loud angelic song?
⁠     These are they who come with swift and shining feet
⁠     From round about the throne of God the Lord of Light to greet.

II

O, who are these that hasten beneath the starry sky,
As if with joyful tidings that through the world shall fly?
⁠     The faithful shepherds these, who greatly were afeared
     ⁠When, as they watched their flocks by night, the heavenly host appeared.

III

Who are these that follow across the hills of night
A star that westward hurries along the fields of light?
     ⁠Three wise men from the east who myrrh and treasure bring
     ⁠To lay them at the feet of him their Lord and Christ and King.

IV

What babe new-born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her bed of pain his happy mother lies.
⁠     O, see! the air is shaken with white and heavenly wings—
⁠     This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the King of Kings.

V

Tell me, how may I join in this holy feast
With all the kneeling world, and I of all the least?
     ⁠Fear not, O faithful heart, but bring what most is meet:
⁠     Bring love alone, true love alone, and lay it at his feet.