Dove, Jonathan: The Three Kings


The Three Kings (2000)

O balow, balow la lay.

The first king was very young,
With doleful ballads on his tongue,
he came bearing a branch of myrrh
Than which no gall is bitterer,
Gifts for a baby King, O.

The second king was a man in prime,
The solemn priest of a solemn time,
With eyes downcast and reverent feet
He brought his incense sad and sweet,
Gifts for a baby King, O.

The third king was very old,
Both his hands were full of gold,
Many a gaud and a glittering toy,
Baubles brave for a baby boy,
Gifts for a baby King, O.

Words: Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957
Music: Jonathan Dove (b. 1959)