To you now I am sent.
For dread of Herod, go you west home ...
The Holy Ghost this knowledge hath sent.”
Then, bending a moment longer over the still sleeping kings, he flew upwards and was lost to sight.
When the kings awoke, it was to discover that each one of them had heard the angel’s warning; so taking a last leave of the Babe and His Mother, they set out on their journey, carefully arranging not to pass through the dominions of the wicked and treacherous Herod.
Meanwhile, the herald, in fear and trembling, once more ascended the steps leading to the palace-portal, and broke the news to his master:
“These three kings that forth were sent,
And should have come again before thee here present,
Another way, Lord, home they went,
Contrary to thine honour.”