For him with every rising sun The year begins anew; The fertile earth receives her lord, And prophecy comes true, Wondrously as a fall of snow, Dear as a drench of dew.
Who gives his life for beauty's need, King Caspar could no more; Who serves the truth with single mind Shall stand with Melchior; And love is all that Balthasar In crested censer bore.
_Halleluja! What sound is this across the dark While all the earth is sleeping? Hark! Halleluja! Halleluja! Halleluja!_
Why are thy tender eyes so bright, Mary, Mary? On the prophetic deep of night Joseph, Joseph, I see the borders of the light, And in the day that is to be An aureoled man-child I see, Great love's son, Joseph.
_Halleluja! He hears not, but she hears afar, The Minstrel Angel of the star. Halleluja! Halleluja! Halleluja!_
Why is thy gentle smile so deep, Mary, Mary? It is the secret I must keep, Joseph, Joseph,-- The joy that will not let me sleep, The glory of the coming days, When all the world shall turn to praise God's goodness, Joseph.
_Halleluja! Clear as the bird that brings the morn She hears the heavenly music borne. Halleluja! Halleluja! Halleluja!_
Why is thy radiant face so calm, Mary, Mary? His strength is like a royal palm, Joseph, Joseph; His beauty like the victor's psalm. He moves like morning o'er the lands And there is healing in his hands For sorrow, Joseph.
_Halleluja! Tender as dew-fall on the earth She hears the choral of love's birth. Halleluja! Halleluja! Halleluja!_
What is the message come to thee, Mary, Mary? I hear like wind within the tree, Joseph, Joseph, Or like a far-off melody His deathless voice proclaiming peace, And bidding ruthless wrong to cease, For love's sake, Joseph.
_Halleluja! Moving as rain-wind in the spring She hears the angel chorus ring. Halleluja! Halleluja! Halleluja!_
Why are thy patient hands so still, Mary, Mary? I see the shadow on the hill, Joseph, Joseph, And wonder if it is God's will That courage, service, and glad youth Shall perish in the cause of truth Forever, Joseph.
_Halleluja! Her heart in that celestial chime Has heard the harmony of time. Halleluja! Halleluja! Halleluja!_
Why is thy voice so strange and far, Mary, Mary? I see the glory of the star, Joseph, Joseph; And in its light all things that are, Made glad and wise beyond the sway Of death and darkness and dismay, In God's time Joseph.