1986 November/December issue Part 2

The Incarnation
That the Great Angel-blinding light should shrink
His blaze to shine in a poor Shepherd's eye;
That the unmeasur d God so lowe should sinke,
As Pris'ner in a few poor rags to lye,
That from his Mother's Breast he milke should drinke,
Who feeds with Nectar Heaven's faire family,
That a vile Manger his low Bed should prove,
Who in a Throne of stars Thunders above;
That he whom the Sun serves, should faintly peepe
Through clouds of Infant Flesh! That He, the old
Eternall Word should be a Childe, and weep;
that He who made the fire, should fear the cold,
That heaven's high Majesty His Court should Keepe
In a clay cottage, by each blast control'd;
That Glories self should serve our Griefs and feares,
And free Eternity submit to years,
Let our overwhelming wonder be.
(Richard Crashaw, 1613?-1649)