Bethlehem, of noblest cities
None can once with thee compare;
Thou alone the Lord from heaven
Didst for us incarnate bear.
Solemn things of mystic meaning:
Incense doth the God disclose;
Gold a royal Child proclaimeth;
Myrrh a future tomb foreshows.
Roman Breviary, Epiphany, Hymn O sola magnarum urbium at Lauds. (Rt. E. Caswall)
