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And how a new bright star, till then unknown 
To the clear depths of midnight’s azure skies, 
Sages from farthest East 
With gifts prophetic * led. 
Led—till at last it stood, with fixed beam, 
Where peaceful lay a manger-cradled Babe, 
Low at whose feet they bend 
And their choice treasures pile. 
Here stays thy history, beauteous chronicler, 
Sweet sister of that pale mysterious flower 
Which, oh ! how fitly ends 
The tale by thee begun. 
* It was the common opinion of the Fathers of the Church, that the 
offerings of the wise men had a reference to the threefold character of 
Christ; that of prophet, priest, and king. 
