160 The Ballad of king Herod's Daughter. IN Jewry, God's first chosen land, Full fierce he was, a haughty wight, Now on a day within his hall With many a knight and peer, Because his birthday was to keep; With ivy-wreaths each brow was bound, Then, as the daylight waned apace, Who claimed the king as sire and lord, To vow their love and truth. And one brought vestiture of Ind, The brows, and one brought myrrh; And last of all a little maid Knelt trembling down, as half afraid, Fair Mariamne's youngest child; And Herod's brow grew smooth and mild She bore a cloth of samite red, A wonder crown-no gems adorn TUL, XXXIV. Uprose her sire with wrath distressed: What! am I mocked in mine own hall And she right meekly answer made, As is this crown of thorn. 'For, lo, in Jewry on this day 'Yea, ruleth earth and ruleth seas, Yea, ruleth beast and man, And hath not where to lay His head, 'And cometh back-and is not seen! And whoso would be king in truth And hear thou me, my lord and sire, But so thou cross that King in aught, Loud laughed King Herod scornfully : Thy wits are wandering! 'What, ho! bear forth this crazy maid, Let scourges try her will! NO. CXXXIV. Μ 152 THE BALLAD OF KING HEROD'S DAUGHTER ‘But till he come, thou fool, believe And who shall aid ?-Whoso would wear A perfect prince of peace! 'Cry thou for champion to the stars, And so they bore her off, and kept And Herod's heart was racked. For evermore her voice would sing, O crown most royal, crown most rare, God send us strength and give us grace, To bow before the thorn! B. MONTGOMERIE RANKING. |