1 Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
2 Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom, and offerings divine:
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?
3 Vainly we offer each ample 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.
