"We three kings of Orient are"
 

Hymn 128, Epiphany Season
The Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (1857)
The Hymnal of the Episcopal Church 1982

Both the lyrics and the music were written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., circa 1857, then an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church, who was instrumental in organizing an elaborate holiday pageant (which featured this song) for the students of the General Theological Seminary in New York City while serving as the seminary's music director. In 1872, Hopkins was ordained an Episcopal priest and later served as rector at Christ Episcopal Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The song tells the story of the Magi (found in Matthew 2) traveling to visit to the Christ Child, guided only by the Star of Bethlehem.

We three kings of Orient are,
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain,
moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King for ever,
ceasing never
over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I:
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising,
gladly raising,
worship him, God Most High.

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing,
bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice;
heaven sings 
alleluia; alleluia 
the earth replies.


​O star of wonder, star of night,
star with royal beauty bright;
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light!

Emporium #129