Shall we then yield him, in costly devotion,
odors of Edom, and offerings
divine,
gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the
forest, and gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample
oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favor secure,
richer by far is the
heart's adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the
poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our
darkness, lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon
adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.