Robert Herrick (1591–1674)

TELL us, thou clear and heavenly tongue,

Where is the Babe but lately sprung?

Lies he the lily-banks among?

Or say, if this new Birth of ours

Sleeps, laid within some ark of flowers,

Spangled with dew-light; thou canst clear

All doubts, and manifest the where.

Declare to us, bright star, if we shall seek

Him in the morning’s blushing cheek,

Or search the beds of spices through,

To find him out?

Star.—No, this ye need not do;

But only come and see Him rest,

A princely babe, in’s mother’s breast.