St. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 2, December, 1877

The opening invites listeners into a vivid, lyrical retelling of the ancient journey of the three wise men. With a steady, sing‑song rhythm, the poem paints the night sky with a blazing star and follows the travelers across deserts, towns, and the humble stable where a newborn king lies among hay. Rich imagery of gold, frankincense, and myrrh intertwine with the tender watchfulness of Mary, creating a fresh, almost musical meditation on the Nativity.

Beyond the Christmas tableau, the volume shifts to a fragment by a 19th‑century writer who reflects on youthful ambition, adventure, and a soldier’s untimely death. The prose sketches a life of travel, sport, and literary yearning, offering a glimpse into the era’s romance of exploration. Listeners will appreciate the blend of poetic devotion and historical vignette, a modest yet resonant celebration of faith, bravery, and the timeless pull of destiny.