The Three Kings
SATB acappella
Words by Dorothy Sayers
Music by M Ryan Taylor

     I’ve long been fascinated by the “Three Kings.” We know very little about them. The scriptures call them wise men, not kings, and never mentions their number. Some traditions say there were twelve of them, not three. Perhaps because they are such a mystery is the fact that has inspired such a string of imaginative musings on them and thier character. This poem by Dorothy Sayers I found delightful enough to want to set it.

The Text:
THE first king was very young,
O balow, balow la lay,
With doleful ballads on his tongue,
O balow, balow la lay,
He came bearing a branch of myrrh
Than which no gall is bitterer,
O balow, balow la lay,
Gifts for a baby King, O.

d king was a man in prime,
O balow, balow la lay,
The solemn priest of a solemn time,
O balow, balow la lay,
With eyes downcast and reverent feet
He brought his incense sad and sweet,
O balow, balow la lay,
Gifts for a baby King, O.

The third king was very old,
O balow, balow la lay,
Both his hands were full of gold,
O balow, balow la lay,
Many a gaud and glittering toy,
Baubles brave for a baby boy,
O balow, balow la lay,
Gifts for a baby King, O.