The Three Kings Of Cologne

From out Cologne there came three kings     To worship Jesus Christ, their King.     To Him they sought fine herbs they brought,     And many a beauteous golden thing;     They brought their gifts to Bethlehem town,     And in that manger set them down.     Then spake the first king, and he said:     "O Child, most heavenly, bright, and fair!     I bring this crown to Bethlehem town     For Thee, and only Thee, to wear;     So give a heavenly crown to me     When I shall come at last to Thee!"     The second, then. "I bring Thee here     This royal robe, O Child!" he cried;     "Of silk 'tis spun, and such an one     There is not in the world beside;     So in the day of doom requite     Me with a heavenly robe of white!"     The third king gave his gift, and quoth:     "Spikenard and myrrh to Thee I bring,     And with these twain would I most fain     Anoint the body of my King;     So may their incense sometime rise     To plead for me in yonder skies!"     Thus spake the three kings of Cologne,     That gave their gifts, and went their way;     And now kneel I in prayer hard by     The cradle of the Child to-day;     Nor crown, nor robe, nor spice I bring     As offering unto Christ, my King.     Yet have I brought a gift the Child     May not despise, however small;     For here I lay my heart to-day,     And it is full of love to all.     Take Thou the poor but loyal thing,     My only tribute, Christ, my King!