Nativity Poem...

Christmas Carol

by May Probyn 

(1856–1909)

Lacking samite and sable,
Lacking silver and gold,
The Prince Jesus in the poor stable
Slept, and was three hours old.

As doves by the fair water,

Mary, not touched of sin,
Sat by Him, — the King's daughter,
All glorious within.

A lily without a stain, a

Star where no spot hath room;   
Ave, gratia plena — 
Virgo Virginum!

Clad not in pearl-sewn vesture,

Clad not in cramoisie,
She hath hushed, she hath cradled to rest, her
God the first time on her knee.

Where is one to adore Him?
The ox hath dumbly confessed,
With the ass, meek kneeling before Him,
Et homo factus est.

Not throned on ivory or cedar,

Not crowned with a Queen's crown,
At her breast it is Mary shall feed her
Maker, from Heaven come down.

The trees in Paradise blossom

Sudden, and its bells chime --
She giveth Him, held to her bosom,
Her immaculate milk the first time.

The night with wings of angels
Was alight, and its snow-packed ways
Sweet made (say the Evangels)
With the noise of their virelays.

Quem vidistis, pastores?

Why go ye feet unshod?
Wot ye within yon door is
Mary, the Mother of God?

No smoke of spice is ascending

There -- no roses are piled --
But, choicer than all balms blending,
There Mary hath kissed her Child.

Dilectus meus mihi

Et ego Illi -- cold
Small cheek against her cheek, He
Sleepeth, three hours old.

 

I love this poem about the Nativity.  I love the interlocking rhymes and the quiet imagery--"breathless with adoration." 

Translations from Latin:

Ave, gratia plena—           Hail, full of grace,
  Virgo Virginum!              Virgin of Virgins!

Et homo factus est.          And was made man.

Quem vidistis, pastores?     You see, shepherds

Dilectus meus mihi           My Beloved is mine
  Et ego Illi                  and I am His