Chapter 3 No.3

Is thy epiphany known only to wise men,

Living near the morning sun?-Those who saw thy star

And followed as it led, came to worship, saying:

"Israel, where is the One born king of the Jews?"

Are only those who are led by an angel or a star,

To know and worship thee? While we, though thou art here,

In our own town, to be our guest and bear our sins;

Refuse to take thee in; saying: "There is no room."

Will but the few, the wise and great, coming a long way,

Find thee-having found, worship-having worshipped,

Give treasured gold, frankincense and myrrh; while we,

When thou knockest at the door of our dwelling,

Tenanted by false gods, say: There is no room here;

We entertain more appropriate guests, old friends;

Go to the public khan; there you will find shelter,

A stall, a manger and a little straw-Yet the prophets sang:

"And thou Bethlehem, Land of Judah,

Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah,

For out of thee shall come forth a ruler,

Who shall be shepherd of thy people Israel."