The Three Kings Of Cologne

Author: Eugene Field

    From out Cologne there came three kings
    To worship Jesus Christ, their King.
    To Him they sought fine herbs they brought,
    And many a beauteous golden thing;
    They brought their gifts to Bethlehem town,
    And in that manger set them down.

    Then spake the first king, and he said:
    "O Child, most heavenly, bright, and fair!
    I bring this crown to Bethlehem town
    For Thee, and only Thee, to wear;
    So give a heavenly crown to me
    When I shall come at last to Thee!"

    The second, then. "I bring Thee here
    This royal robe, O Child!" he cried;
    "Of silk 'tis spun, and such an one
    There is not in the world beside;
    So in the day of doom requite
    Me with a heavenly robe of white!"

    The third king gave his gift, and quoth:
    "Spikenard and myrrh to Thee I bring,
    And with these twain would I most fain
    Anoint the body of my King;
    So may their incense sometime rise
    To plead for me in yonder skies!"

    Thus spake the three kings of Cologne,
    That gave their gifts, and went their way;
    And now kneel I in prayer hard by
    The cradle of the Child to-day;
    Nor crown, nor robe, nor spice I bring
    As offering unto Christ, my King.

    Yet have I brought a gift the Child
    May not despise, however small;
    For here I lay my heart to-day,
    And it is full of love to all.
    Take Thou the poor but loyal thing,
    My only tribute, Christ, my King!
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This narrative poem explores themes of devotion, humility, and sacrifice, recounting the Biblical story of the Three Kings' visit to the Christ child in Bethlehem. The tone is reverent and reflective, the speaker engaging directly with the spiritual significance of the gifts the Kings bring, and ultimately the gift of his own heart. The structure of the poem, with each King offering a gift followed by a prayer, mirrors the act of worship, imbuing the poem with a rhythmic, ritualistic quality.

In terms of literary devices, the poet makes effective use of repetition and parallelism to highlight the Kings' shared purpose and individual expressions of faith. Each King's speech mirrors the other, presenting their gift and then asking for a heavenly reward. This repetition underscores the theme of sacred reciprocity, the idea that spiritual gifts given in faith will be returned in kind. The poet's decision to present his own heart as a gift in the final stanzas serves as a poignant contrast to the Kings' material gifts, emphasizing the idea that love and devotion are the most valuable offerings one can give. The language throughout is simple yet evocative, amplifying the poem's overarching message of humble faith and devotion.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.