Now, hither come to me,

Priest, scribe, Essene ascetic, And search ye out, and see In inystic scroll prophetic, In what blest place fair- famed, The seers have long proclaimed Messiah born must be!

Fair Bethlehem, goodly town! There shall the Princely Stranger, Coming from Zion down, Be born in lowly manger! Trembled the King this hearing,

A mighty peril fearing

To his own royal crown,

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Now pass the wide gate through, And haste for love and pity, And search with vigour due For CHRIST, in David's city! Return ye then, and lead me. That I may thither speed me. And worship Him with you!

Ah! Herod, King, refrain

' Gainst CHRIST so fondly scheming! With guileful craft in vain

Of impious crime thou'rt dreaming! Him shall thine eyes see never, Till He shall come, for ever

O'er every foe to reign!