by Chesterton · Cluster: Faith · Providence · Divine Love
Abstract
A Nativity hymn (by Frances Chesterton) on the gifts of the Magi, reading gold, incense and myrrh as the sword, battle and honoured death awaiting the sleeping Christ-child.
Testo / Text
Connections
Topoi: Life as a Battle
Archetypes: Christ Figure, Child Motifs: Swords and Weapons, Cross, Battlefield (2) Themes & Concepts: Divine Love, Faith, Grace and Redemption, Paradox, Martyrdom, Self-Sacrifice Forms & Genres: Hymn, Lyric Historical References: Bible Characters: Christ
Testo integrale / Full text
Here is the little door
Here is the little door, lift up the latch, oh lift!
We need not wander more but enter with our gift;
Our gift of finest gold,
Gold that was never bought nor sold;
Myrrh to be strewn about his bed;
Incense in clouds about his head;
All for the Child who stirs not in his sleep.
But holy slumber holds with ass and sheep.
Bend low about his bed, for each he has a gift;
See how his eyes awake, lift up your hands, O lift!
For gold, he gives a keen-edged sword
(Defend with it Thy little Lord!),
For incense, smoke of battle red.
Myrrh for the honoured happy dead;
Gifts for his children terrible and sweet,
Touched by such tiny hands and
Oh such tiny feet.
Frances Chesterton