The Three Kings Of Cologne

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  From out Cologne there came three kings
  To worship Jesus Christ, their King.
  To Him they sought fine herbs they brought,
  And many a beauteous golden thing;
  They brought their gifts to Bethlehem town,
  And in that manger set them down.

  Then spake the first king, and he said:
  "O Child, most heavenly, bright, and fair!
  I bring this crown to Bethlehem town
  For Thee, and only Thee, to wear;
  So give a heavenly crown to me
  When I shall come at last to Thee!"

  The second, then. "I bring Thee here
  This royal robe, O Child!" he cried;
  "Of silk 'tis spun, and such an one
  There is not in the world beside;
  So in the day of doom requite
  Me with a heavenly robe of white!"

  The third king gave his gift, and quoth:
  "Spikenard and myrrh to Thee I bring,
  And with these twain would I most fain
  Anoint the body of my King;
  So may their incense sometime rise
  To plead for me in yonder skies!"

  Thus spake the three kings of Cologne,
  That gave their gifts, and went their way;
  And now kneel I in prayer hard by
  The cradle of the Child to-day;
  Nor crown, nor robe, nor spice I bring
  As offering unto Christ, my King.

  Yet have I brought a gift the Child
  May not despise, however small;
  For here I lay my heart to-day,
  And it is full of love to all.
  Take Thou the poor but loyal thing,
  My only tribute, Christ, my King!

© Eugene Field