To know that which lies before us in daily life is the prime wisdom.
Hear all ye angels, progeny of light, Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers.
O welcome pure-eyed Faith, white handed Hope, Thou hovering angel girt with golden wings.
But oh the heavy change, now thou art gone, Now thou art gone and never must return!
At His birth a star, unseen before in heaven, proclaims Him come.
Earth felt the wound; and Nature from her seat, Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe That all was lost.