sought for,
and the more its fame increased, so much the more all the people of the
Land of Ind desired to see it. So they ordained twelve of the wisest
and greatest of the clerks of astronomy, that were in all that country
about, and gave them great hire to keep watch upon the Hill of Vaws for
the Star that was prophesied of Balaam.

Now, when Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea, His Star began to rise
in the manner of a sun, bright shining. It ascended above the Hill
of Vaws, and all that day in the highest air it abode without moving,
insomuch that when the sun was hot and most high there was no difference
in shining betwixt them.

But when the day of the nativity was passed the Star ascended up into
the firmament, and it had right many long streaks and beams, more
burning and brighter than a brand of fire; and, as an eagle flying and
beating the air with his wings, right so the streaks and beams of the
Star stirred about.

Then all the people, both man and woman, of all that country about when
they saw this marvelous Star, were full of wonder thereat; yet they knew
well that it was the Star that was prophesied of Balaam, and long time
was desired of all the people in that country.

Now, when the three worshipful kings, who at that time reigned in Ind,
Chaldea, and Persia, were informed by the astronomers of this Star, they
were right glad that they had grace to see the Star in their days.

Wherefore these three worshipful kings, Melchior, Balthazar, and Jasper
(in the same hour the Star appeared to all three), though each of them
was far from the other, and none knew of the others' purpose, decided
to go and seek and worship the Lord and King of the Jews, that was new
born, as the appearance of the Star announced.

So each king prepared great and rich gifts, and trains of mules, camels,
and horses charged with treasure, and together with a great multitude of
people they set forth on their journeys.

THE CHILD

Now, when these three worshipful kings were passed forth out of their
kingdoms, the Star went before each king and his people. When they
stood still and rested, the Star stood still; and when they went forward
again, the Star always went before them in virtue and strength and gave
light all the way.

And, as it is written, in the time that Christ was born, there was peace
in all the world, wherefore in all the cities and towns through which
they went there was no gate shut neither by night