1st King. Sir kings, after our promise,
Home by Herod, I must needs go.
2nd King. Now truly, brother, we can no less,
But I am so far watched I wot not what to do.
3rd King. Right so am I, wherefore I you pray
Let all us rest us awhile upon this ground.
1st King. Brother, your saying is right well unto my pay
The grace of that sweet child save us all sound.
Angel. King of Taurus, Sir Jaspar!
King of Araby, Sir Balthasar!
Melchior, king of Aginara!
To you now am I sent.
For dread of Herod, go you west home
In those parts when ye come down,
Ye shall be burrid[254] with great renown:
The Holy Ghost this knowledge hath sent.
1st King. Awake, sir kings, I you pray,
For the voice of an angel I heard in my dream!
2nd King. That is full true that ye do say
For he rehearsed our names plain.
3rd King. He bade that we should go down by west
For dread of Herod's false betray.
1st King. So for to do it is the best,
The child that we have sought, guide us the way!
[Turning to the babe.