Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid!

2. Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining,
low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
angels adore him, in slumber reclining,
maker and monarch and Saviour of all.

3. What shall we give him, in costly devotion?
Shall we bring incense and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?

4. Vainly we offer each lavish oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favour secure;
richer by far is the heart’s adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

5. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid!