Alfred H. Miles, ed. The Sacred Poets of the Nineteenth Century. 1907.
By Hymns. II. Brightest and best of the sons of the morningReginald Heber (17831826)
B
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us Thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our Infant Redeemer is laid!
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore Him, in slumber reclining,
Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all!
Odours of Edom and offerings Divine?
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure;
Richer, by far, is the heart’s adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us Thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our Infant Redeemer is laid!