Bethlehem Town

Bethlehem Town

As I was going to Bethlehem - town,

Upon the earth I cast me down

All underneath a little tree

That whispered in this wise to me :

"Oh, I shall stand on Calvary

And bear what burthen saveth thee!"

As up I fared to Bethlehem - town,

I met a shepherd coming down,

And thus he quoth: "A wondrous sight

Hath spread before mine eyes this night,--

And angel host most fair to see,

That sung full sweetly of a tree

That shall uplift on Calvary

What burthen saveth you and me!"

And as I gat to Bethlehem - town,

Lo! wise men came that bore a crown.

"Is there," cried I, "in Bethlehem

A King shall wear this diadem?"

"Good sooth," they quoth, "and it is He

That shall be lifted on the tree

And freely shed on Calvary

What blood redeemeth us and thee!"

Unto a Child in Bethlehem - town

The wise men came and brought a crown;

And while the infant smiling slept,

Upon their knees they fell and wept,

But, with her babe upon her knee,

Naught recked that Mother of the tree,

That should uplift on Calvary

What burthen saveth all and me.

Again I walk in Bethlehem - town

And think on Him that wears the crown.

I may not kiss His feet again,

Nor worship Him as did I then;

My King hath died upon the tree,

And hath outpoured on Calvary

What blood redeemeth you and me!

by Eugene Field