Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
Christus: A MysteryPart II. The Golden Legend. III. IV. The Nativity: A Miracle-Play. IX. Crowned with Flowers
With fragrant flowers thy head is crowned
While like a guard we stand around,
And hail thee as our King!
Thou art the new King of the Jews!
Nor let the passers-by refuse
To bring that homage which men use
To majesty to bring.
Unto our monarch, crowned to-day!
Then go rejoicing on your way,
In all prosperity!
Who weareth in his diadem
The yellow crocus for the gem
Of his authority!
The King of Bethlehem is here!
What ails the child, who seems to fear
That we shall do him harm?
And out there darted, from his rest,
A serpent with a crimson crest,
And stung him in the arm.
The wounded place; my touch can heal
The sting of serpents, and can steal
The poison from the bite!
Cease to lament! I can foresee
That thou hereafter known shalt be,
Among the men who follow me,
As Simon the Canaanite!