I

The best that heaven could bring—

First fruits, an offering free—

Was brought from far, when, by the star,

The wise men came to Thee.

II

No sceptre, and no throne!

The magi were amazed,

As, with surprise, on humble guise

And poverty, they gazed.

III

But there Thy God-head shone,

Despite the manger bed;

O Christ, the Lord, Incarnate Word!

’Twas there Thou laid’st Thy head.