Brightest and Best

1    Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
    dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
    Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
    guide where our infant redeemer is laid.


2    Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining;
    low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
    angels adore him in slumber reclining,
    maker and monarch and savior of all.


3    What shall we give him, in costly devotion?
    Shall we bring incense and off'rings divine,
    gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
    myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?


4    Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
    vainly with gifts would his favor secure;
    richer by far is the heart's adoration,
    dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.


5    Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
    dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
    Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
    guide where our infant redeemer is laid.