Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
1
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;Star of the east, the horizon adorning,Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
2
Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining;Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;Angels adore him, in slumber reclining,—Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all.
3
Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,Odors of Edom and offerings divine?Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?
4
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,Vainly with gifts would his favor secure;Richer by far is the heart's adoration,Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.