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.