In a nameless awe I wander,
As one with a joy untold,
Too great for his own defining,
Too great for him to withhold.
But deep in my heart is the secret,
And in yonder beckoning Star,
And I must wait for the telling
Until I can hasten afar,--
Until I can find in travel
A heart akin to mine,
That day and night is adoring
And imploring beauty divine.
And so I will share the gladness
Which God intends for the world;
And so will I lift the banner,
To remain forever unfurled."
Hardly had Gaspar ended
The musing he loved so well,
When he heard the dreamy tinkle
Of a distant camel-bell.
He set his tent in order;
He brought forth of his best,
After the Arab custom,
To welcome the coming guest.
Who is this eager stranger
Dismounted so soon at the door?
A king from another kingdom,
Who has traveled the desert o'er,
In search of the same communion
That Gaspar was longing for.
And before of food he tasted,
Thus spake King Melchior:
"O Gaspar, God hath sent me
In the light of a peaceful Star,
To tell thee, my royal brother,
What my sweet communings are.
My life has been hid with Nature
For many a quiet year,
And in the hearts of my people,
Whose love hath cast out fear.
And I have been a dweller
With God, who is everywhere,
On earth, in the stars, the Spirit
Sublimest, calmest, most fair.
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