Lo! Bethlehem’s[418] hill-site before me is seen,

With the mountains around and the valleys between;

There rested the shepherds of Judah[419], and there,

The song of the angels rose sweet on the air.

4. And Bethany’s[420] palm trees in beauty still throw

Their shadows at noon on the ruins below;

But where are the sisters who hastened to greet

The lowly Redeemer, and sit at his feet?

I tread where the Twelve in their wayfaring trod;

I stand where they stood with the Incarnate God;