Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/217

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 * From pomp and royal state aloof,
 * Their shining guide its beams withdrew;
 * And points their path, and points their view,

To Bethlehem's rustic cots, to Mary's lowly roof.
 * There the bright sentinel kept watch,
 * While other stars arose and set;
 * For there, within its humble thatch,
 * Weakness and power, and heaven and earth were met.
 * Now, sages, now your search give o'er,
 * Believe, fall prostrate, and adore!

Here spread your spicy gifts, your golden offerings here;
 * No more the fond complaint renew,
 * Of human guilt and mortal woe,
 * Of knowledge checked by doubt, and hope with fear:
 * What angels wished to see, ye view;
 * What angels wished to learn, ye know;—

Peace is proclaimed to man, and heaven begun below.