Part 22 (2/2)

Behold my countenance and my colour, Brighter than the sun in the middle of the day!

Where can you have a more greater succour, Than to behold my person that is so gay; My falchion and my fas.h.i.+on with my gorgeous array?

He that had the grace always thereon to think, Live they might alway without other meat or drink.

And this my triumphant fame most highly doth abound, Throughout this world in all regions abroad, Resembling the favour of that most mighty Mahound From Jupiter by descent, and cousin to the great G.o.d, And named the most renowned King Herod, Which that all princes hath under subjection, And all their whole power under my protection.

And therefore my herald here called Calchas, Warn thou every port, that no s.h.i.+ps arrive, Nor also alien stranger through my realm pa.s.s, But they for their truage[241] do pay marks five, Now speed thee forth hastily, For they that will the contrary, Upon a gallows hanged shall be; And, by Mahound, of me they get no grace.

_Herald._ Now, lord and master! in all the haste, Thy worthy will it shall be wrought, And thy royal countries shall be past, In as short time as can be thought.

_Herod._ Now shall our regions throughout be sought In every place, both east and west; If any caitiffs to me be brought, It shall be nothing for their best.

And the while that I do rest, Trumpets, viols, and other harmony, Shall bless the waking of my majesty.

[_Here Herod goeth away, and the three Kings speaketh in the street._

_1st King._ Now blessed be G.o.d, of his sweet sonde[242]

For yonder a bright star I do see!

Now is he come us among As the prophets said that it should be.

He said there should a babe be born Coming of the root of Jesse, To save mankind that was forlorn, And truly come now is he.

Reverence and wors.h.i.+p to him will I do As G.o.d and man, that all made of nought.

All the prophets accorded and said even so, That with his precious blood mankind should be bought.

He grant me grace by yonder star that I see, And into that place bring me, That I may him wors.h.i.+p with humility And see his glorious face.

_2nd King._ Out of my way I deem that I am For tokens of this country can I none see; Now G.o.d that on earth madest man, Send me some knowledge where that I be.

Yonder me thinks a fair bright star I see, The which betokeneth the birth of a child, That hither is come to make man free, He, born of a maid, and she nothing defiled, To wors.h.i.+p that child is mine intent.

Forth now will I take my way: I trust some company G.o.d hath me sent, For yonder I see a king labour on the way, Toward him now will I ride.

Hark, comely king, I you pray, Into what coast will ye this tide, Or whither lies your journey?

_1st King._ To seek a child is mine intent, Of whom the prophets have meant.

The time is come now is he sent, By yonder star here may you see.

_2nd King._ Sir, I pray you with your licence, To ride with you into his presence; To him will I offer frankincence For the head of the whole church shall he be.

_3rd King._ I ride wandering in ways wide Over mountains and dales, I wot not where I am, Now king of all kings send me such guide, That I may have knowledge of this country's name.

Ah, yonder I see a sight be seeming all afar, The which betokens some news as I trow, As me thinks a child appearing in a star; I trust he be come that shall defend us from woe.

Two kings yonder I see, and to them will I ride, For to have their company: I trust they will me abide.[243]

Hail, comely kings augent![244]

Good sirs, I pray you whither are ye meant?

_1st King._ To seek a child is our intent, Which betokens yonder star as ye may see.

_2nd King._ To him I purpose this present.

_3rd King._ Sirs, I pray you, and that right humbly With you that I may ride in company; To Almighty G.o.d now pray we, That his precious person we may see.

[_Here Herod cometh in again, and the messenger saith:_

_Herald._ Hail, Lord! most of might!

Thy commandment is right.

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