Part 23 (1/2)

Into thy land is come this night Three kings, and with them a great company.

_Herod._ What make those kings in this country?

_Herald._ To seek a king and a child, they say.

_Herod._ Of what age should he be?

_Herald._ Scant twelve days old fully.

_Herod._ And was he so late born?

_Herald._ Eh! sir, so they show'd me this same day in the morn.

_Herod._ Now, in pain of death, bring them me beforn And, therefore, herald, hie thee now, in haste, In all speed that thou were dight,[245]

Or that those kings the country be past,-- Look thou bring them all three before my sight.

And in Jerusalem enquire more of that child?

But I warn thee that thy words be mild, For there take thou heed, and craft thereto His power to foredo,[246]

That those three kings shall be beguiled.

_Herald._ Lord, I am ready at your bidding, To serve thee as my lord and king, For joy thereof, lo, how I spring, With light heart and fresh gambolling, Aloft here on this mould.

_Herod._ Then speed thee forth hastily, And look that thou bear thee evenly And also I pray thee heartily, That thou do commend me Both to young and old.

_Herald_ (_returning to the Three Kings_). Hail, sir kings, in your degree!

Herod; king of these countries wide Desireth to speak with you all three, And for your coming he doth abide.

_1st King._ Sir, at his will we be right bane[247]

Hie us, brother, unto that lord's place; To speak with him we would be fain That child that we seek, he grant us of his grace.

_Herald_ (_bringing in the Kings_). Hail, Lord, without peer!

These three kings have we brought.

_Herod._ Now welcome, sir kings, all in fere;[248]

But of my bright ble,[249] sirs, abash ye nought.

Sir kings, as I understand, A star hath guided you into my land; Wherein great harie[250] ye have found, By reason of her beams bright; Wherefore I pray you heartily, The very truth that you would certify; How long it is surely, Since of that star you had first sight?

_1st King._ Sir king, the very truth we say.

And to show you, as it is best, This same is even the twelfth day Since it appeared to us to be west.

_Herod._ Brother, then is there no more to say, But with heart and will keep ye your journey, And come home again this same way, Of your news that I may know.

You shall triumph in this country, And with great concord banquet with me And that child myself then will I see, And honour him also.

_2nd King._ Sir, your commandment we will fulfil, And humbly obey ourselves theretyll, He that weldeth all things at will.

The ready way us teach, Sir king, that we may pa.s.s your land in peace.

_Herod._ Yes! and walk softly even at your own ease.

Your pa.s.sport for a hundred days Here shall you have of clear command; Our realm to labour[251] any ways Here shall you have by special grant.

_3rd King._ Now farewell, king of high degree, Humbly of you our leave we take.