As I was going to Bethlehem-town, <br />Upon the earth I cast me down <br />All underneath a little tree <br />That whispered in this wise to me: <br />'Oh, I shall stand on Calvary <br />And bear what burthen saveth thee!' <br /> <br />As up I fared to Bethlehem-town, <br />I met a shepherd coming down, <br />And thus he quoth: 'A wondrous sight <br />Hath spread before mine eyes this night,-- <br />An angel host most fair to see, <br />That sung full sweetly of a tree <br />That shall uplift on Calvary <br />What burthen saveth you and me!' <br /> <br />And as I gat to Bethlehem-town, <br />Lo! wise men came that bore a crown. <br />'Is there,' cried I, 'in Bethlehem <br />A King shall wear this diadem?' <br />'Good sooth,' they quoth, 'and it is He <br />That shall be lifted on the tree <br />And freely shed on Calvary <br />What blood redeemeth us and thee!' <br /> <br />Unto a Child in Bethlehem-town <br />The wise men came and brought the crown; <br />And while the infant smiling slept, <br />Upon their knees they fell and wept; <br />But, with her babe upon her knee, <br />Naught recked that Mother of the tree, <br />That should uplift on Calvary <br />What burthen saveth all and me. <br /> <br />Again I walk in Bethlehem-town <br />And think on Him that wears the crown. <br />I may not kiss His feet again, <br />Nor worship Him as did I then; <br />My King hath died upon the tree, <br />And hath outpoured on Calvary <br />What blood redeemeth you and me!<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bethlehem-town/
