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Bethlehem, of noblest cities 
Bethlehem, of noblest cities none can once with thee compare; thou alone, the Lord from heaven didst for us incarnate bear. 
Fairer than the sun at morning was the star that told his birth; to the lands their God announcing, seen in fleshly form on earth. 
By its lambent beauty guided see the eastern kings appear; see them bend, their gifts to offer, gifts of incense, gold and myrrh. 
Solemn things of mystic meaning: incense doth the God disclose, gold a royal child proclaimeth, myrrh a future tomb foreshows. 
Holy Jesus, in thy brightness to the Gentile world displayed, with the Father and the Spirit endless praise to thee be paid. 
(348-410), trans. (1814-1878)