There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying,
Matthew 2:1Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.
Words: Miss F. Cozens, in Carols for Use in Church, Complete Edition, by Richard R. Chope (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), number 115.
Music: Magi Herbert S. Irons, 1894 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Cozens’ full name, or where to get a good photo of her or Irons (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
The Magi came from lands afar,
Led by the guidance of a star,
They journeyed on to Bethlehem,
To seek the Savior, born for them.
And there in humble cottage-home,
Unto the heavenly Child they come;
And low before Him bend the knee
In love and deep humility.
Nor do they come with empty hands—
They bring the treasure of their lands;
Their costliest gifts they offer thence
Of gold and myrrh and frankincense.
They sought the Light, in darkness drear,
And lo, the morn broke full and clear;
The very Light of Light they see,
Though hidden in obscurity.
Jesus, our guiding star, be nigh
Throughout our life, and when we die,
To lead us safely in the way
Which ends at last in perfect day!