Woman s Voice Perhaps you find the angel most improbable? It spoke to men asleep, their minds ajar For once to admit the entrance of a stranger. Few have heard voices, but all have made a journey: The mind moves, desiring dedication, Desiring to lay its gifts, as a dog its bone, At the feet of the first creation. 'Take it or leave it' Says pride, 'You made it; You must bear the blame.' But secretly the heart 'O make it good.' 'Either God acts in vain, or this is God.' 1st King Melchior brings gold. O teach me to give, For this was infancy's first love: Its first possession; its adult passion O new creation Take my treasure and make me free. 2nd King Caspar, incense: all that is strange, Oblique, projected beyond the range Of the First Person. Such mediation O new creation Take, that we dare the direct sight. 3rd, King Death is a strong wish. Balthasar Brings his desire in a gift of myrrh ; Seeking perfection in pain and cessation O new creation Die for me, make me desire to live. All Three Mary, who nourished glory on human kindness By springs of power hidden from the mind, Here is our small self-knowledge, now Make it acceptable, or teach us how. Mary He will accept it, never fear, For his audacity is my despair. O do not give what he should not bear. His boldness is beyond belief, His threats, his lightnings, his short grief. Is it divine or mortal confidence? Mortal ignorance, godlike innocence. Brazen, he takes love as a right; He knows to demand is to give delight. Youngling, here we offer love What have we to offer but love? And what is our love? Greed and despair. O do not take what you should not bear, Or tainted love by true convince: Let us not harm you, helpless Prince. Sin is the chance of mercy; Then even sin contrives your greater glory.