Bow down, ye angel hierarchies,
And see, how human charities
Diviner bonds on earth can tie,
Than those which your bright ranks ally.

Ye, whose immortal being's flame
Full-kindled from the Eternal came,
Behold, the world's Creator rest —
A Babe upon a Mother's breast.

And while your eyes enraptured see
The Equal, Undivided Three,
Learn from that vision to admire
God subject to an earthly sire.

Ye know no parents, child, nor bride;
No homes your love with God divide;
Yet, angel-lips may humbly bless
This Virgin-Mother's fruitfulness:

And angel-hearts may glow with pride
To minister at Joseph's side,
Who knows no earthly cares but these —
God's Mother and her Son to please.

Now heaven and earth are reconciled
Around the crib of Mary's Child;
And flesh and blood shall emulate
The glories of the angelic state:

While those whom marriage-bonds unite
The Virgin-spouses shall invite,
To win from Jesus by their prayers,
A blessing on their household cares.