nor by day; and all
the people of those same cities and towns marveled wonderfully as they
saw kings and vast multitudes go by in great haste; but they knew not
what they were, nor whence they came, nor whither they should go.

Furthermore these three kings rode forth over hills, waters, valleys,
plains, and other divers and perilous places without hindrance, for all
the way seemed to them plain and even. And they never took shelter by
night nor by day, nor ever rested, nor did their horses and other beasts
ever eat or drink till they had come to Bethlehem. And all this time it
did seem to them as one day.

But when the three blessed kings had come near to Jerusalem, then a
great cloud of darkness hid the Star from their sight. And when Melchior
and his people were come fast by the city, they abode in fog and
darkness. Then came Balthazar, and he abode under the same cloud near
unto Melchior. Thereupon appeared Jasper with all his host.

So these three glorious kings, each with his host and burdens and
beasts, met together in the highway without the city of Jerusalem. And,
notwithstanding that none of them ever before had seen the other, nor
knew him, nor had heard of his coming, yet at their meeting each one
with great reverence and joy kissed the other. So afterward, when they
had spoken together and each had told his purpose and the cause of his
journey, they were much more glad and fervent. So they rode forth, and
at the uprising of the sun, they came into Jerusalem. And yet the Star
appeared not.

So then these three worshipful kings, when they were come into the city,
asked of the people concerning the Child that was born; and when Herod
heard this he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him, and he privately
summoned to him these three kings and learned of them the time when
the Star appeared. He then sent them forth, bidding them find the young
Child and return to him.

Now when these three kings were passed out of Jerusalem the Star
appeared to them again as it did erst, and went before them till they
were come to Bethlehem.

Now, the nearer the kings came to the place where Christ was born, the
brighter shined the Star, and they entered Bethlehem the sixth hour
of the day. And they rode through the streets till they came before a
little house. There the Star stood still, and then descended and shone
with so great a light that the little house was full of radiance; till
anon the Star went upward again in