Classic Poem

In such a marvelous night, so fair
And full of wonder strange and new,
Ye shepherds of the vale, declare
Who saw the greatest wonder? Who?

First. I saw the trembling fire look wan.
Second. I saw the sun shed tears of blood
Third. I saw a God become a man.
Fourth. I saw a man become a God.

O wondrous marvels! at the thought,
The bosom's awe and reverence move;
But who such prodigies has wrought?
What gave such wonders birth? 'Twas love!

What called from heaven that flame divine,
Which streams in glory from above;
And bade it o'er earth's bosom shine,
And bless us with its brightness? Love!

Who bade the glorious sun arrest
His course, and o'er heaven's concave move
In tears, — the saddest, loneliest
Of the celestial orbs? 'Twas love!

Who raised the human race so high,
Even to the starry seats above,
That for our mortal progeny,
A man becomes a God? 'Twas love!

Who humbled from the seats of light
Their Lord, all human woes to prove;
Led the great source of day — to night;
And made of God a man? 'Twas love!

Yes, love has wrought, and love alone,
The victories all, — beneath, — above, —
And earth and heaven shall shout as one,
The all-triumphant song of love.

The song through all heaven's arches ran,
And told the wondrous tales aloud, —
The trembling fire that looked so wan,
The weeping sun behind the cloud.
A God — a God! becomes a man!
A mortal man becomes a God!