The New English Hymnal ‎#49a

49a. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

1 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2 Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining,
Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall:
Angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.

3 Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom, and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?

4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would his favour secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

5 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Text Information

• First Line: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
• Author: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
• Meter: 11 10 11 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Epiphany

Tune Information

• Name: WESSEX
• Composer: Alwyn Surplice, 1906-77
• Composer (descant): A. D. C.
• Meter: 11 10 11 10
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: By permission of Mrs. M. Surplice; Descant by permission of Canterbury Press Norwich