Yes, it is that time of year again: time for the random Christmas Hymn Lyric Review. What does it have to do with my books? Nothing, but who cares? Now down to business. This hymn has always been a little odd to me, and I don't think I've ever heard more than the first or second verse, but we're working on a piece in choir right now that contained the words 'Glorious now, see Him arise, God and King and Sacrifice,' with the traditional melody and it made me curious. So I found the entire thing for your erudition (and my own). It is actually quite an interesting little composition, if politically incorrect, but then any traditional Christmas hymn is technically that nowadays so without further ado:
'We Three Kings:'
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
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