Epiphany
Epiphany
Original Text
The Poetical Works of Reginald Heber, D.D. Lord Bishop of Calcutta
(London: Frederick Warne, 1830): 78-79. PR4779 .H2 A17 1830
1Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
2 Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid!
3Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
4 Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
5Cold on His cradle the dew-drops are shining,
6 Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
7Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
8 Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all!
9Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
10 Odors of Edom and off'rings divine?
11Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
12 Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
13Vainly we offer each ample oblation;
15Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
16 Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
18 Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid!
19Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
20 Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Notes
14] gold: hymnal versions after Heber's death have "gifts". Back to Line
17] Hymnal versions after Heber's death may omit this stanza. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1811
Publication Notes
Christian Observer (1811)
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2003
Rhyme
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