Like lamps that round an altar burn,
All lights that shine, all worlds that be
Crowned are the men whose hearts discern
Their King's Epiphany.
II.
The Child obedient sets His face
To seek His Father's House of Prayer,
With other children takes His place,
And is a learner there.
Two worlds there are; the child to each
Belongs, God's prophet, born to bless;
But not by action, nor by speech,
Simply by winsomeness.
For, like the Child of Bethlehem,
Babes bring their blessing from afar,
Enriching all who wait on them
By being what they are.
III.
A voice from heaven spake aloud,
Heard clearly by the Bridegroom's friend
When, shadowed by the glory-cloud,
He saw the Dove descend.
One Voice has heralded the Word,
That listening men may truly know
What mean all voices they have heard
Above, around, below—