Three Kings Came Riding

For Christmas

Words: A translation by Canon John Gray of Parton dall' Oriente, from the “Laude Spirituali,” Coferati edition, 1674.

Music: Italian melody (Alma che scorgi) from the “Laude Spirituali,” Coferati edition, 1674

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #130, pp. 4-5.

1. Three Kings came riding from the east, led by a star,
Their Lord to find, and give their best from lands afar;
        For He is born a Child,
        Sinners may be reconciled,
Turning to God away from sin and sorrow.
Turning to God away from sin and sorrow.

2. Splendidly bright the star above them blazed and sped;
Portent of hope for men, and yet portent of dread;
        And where its course was stayed
        Their they halted, knelt and prayed;
Filled were their hearts with joy and sacred wonder.
Filled were their hearts with joy and sacred wonder.

3. Three Kings were galloping all through the wintry night,
Following hard to reach the uncreated light;
        The star has guided them
        To the cave of Bethlehem,
Guided to Him from Araby and Saba.
Guided to Him from Araby and Saba.

Gold, frankincense and myrrh they lay before the Lord,
Man like another man, and God's almighty Word;
        This little Child is He,
        Unto whom they bend the knee,
Courtiers of Him who rules the earth and heaven.
Courtiers of Him who rules the earth and heaven.

Gifts from the east before the crib; and these unfold
Mysteries hidden ever since the years of old;
        From all their misery
        God has set His people free,
Broken their chains and opened heaven for them.
Broken their chains and opened heaven for them.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #130, pp. 4-5.

Note from Rev. Terry:

The Basses will sing “ah” for the bars 1 and 4 an then take up the words (whatever they may be) with the rest of the voices.

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