That was his disappointment. Happy are they who,
in this world of trial, meet their disappointments in their youth, not
in their old age; then let them come and welcome, not too thick to
render us morose, but like Spring mornings, frosty but kindly, the cold
of which will kill the vermin, but will let the plant live; and let us
rely upon it, that the best men (and women, too) are those who have been
early disappointed.
* * * * *
XXV.
THE THREE KINGS.
AN OLD STORY IN A NEW LIGHT.
Gaspar, a king and shepherd,
Alone at the door of his tent,
Thus mused, his eyes uplifted
And fixed on the firmament:
"Is it a dream, this vision
That haunts me day and night,
This beautiful manifestation
Of some eternal delight?
God set me to watching and waiting
Long years and years ago,
Waiting and watching for something
My heart could not forego.
I caught the hope of the nations,
The desire of the common heart,
Which grew to an expectation
That would not from me depart.
My soul was filled with hunger
Deeper than I can tell,
The while I watched for the shining
Of the Star in Israel.
O Star, to arise in Jacob!
I cried as my heart grew bold;
O Star, to arise in Jacob,
By prophecy seen of old!
For the sight of Thee I am dying,
For the joy of Thy Beautiful Face!
Of Thy coming give me a token,
Grant me this favor and grace!
At length there came an answer
Flaming the desolate year,
A revelation of beauty,
A more than mortal cheer;
For afar in the kindly heavens
The blessed token I saw!
And now my life is transfigured,
And lost in a nameless awe.
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