Classic Poem

Said Melchior, " In blue silk I fold
The rock's best fruit, red-hearted gold:
So grant us, mighty Mother East,
One who shall raise thy power decreased,
And break Rome's pride and scorn,
Till our red, wine-warm world hath sent
Its breath through the cold West, and blent
The Orient with the Occident
In one wide sea of morn. "

Said Gaspar, " I bring frankincense
From Caraman's hills, whose thickets dense
Hide the balm-bleeding bark which feeds
The fuming shrine with fragrant seeds:
So may this child, when born,
Be Love's high Lord, and yield his love
As incense, and draw down the Dove
To crown his brows in sign thereof,
Betwixt the night and morn. "
Said Balthasar, " And I bring myrrh,
In death and life man's minister;
Which braves decay as burial-balm,
Or, mixed with wine, brings the deep calm
Which power and love both scorn:
Such be this child, — God's answering breath
To the one prayer the whole world saith,
" Oh, grant us myrrh for pain and death,
Betwixt our night and morn." "