The Ballad of Befana

An Epiphany Legend

�

Befana the Housewife, scrubbing her pane,

Saw three old sages ride down the lane,

Saw three gray travelers pass her door--

Gaspar, Balthazar, Melchior

�

"Where journey you, sirs?" she asked of them.

Balthazar answered, "To Bethlehem,

�

For we have news of a marvelous thing.

Born in a stable is Christ the King."

�

"Give Him my welcome:"

Then Gaspar smiled,

"Come with us, mistress, to greet the Child."

�

"Oh, happily, happily would I fare,

Were my dusting through and I'd polished the stair."

�

Old Melchior leaned on his saddle horn.

"Then send but a gift to the small Newborn."

�

"Oh, gladly, gladly I'd send Him one,

Were the hearthstone swept and my weaving done.

�

"As soon as ever I've baked my bread,

I'll fetch Him a pillow for His heard,

And a coverlet too," Befana said.

�

"When the rooms are aired and the linen dry,

I'll look at the Babe."

But the Three rode by.

�

She worked for a day and a night and a day,

Then, gifts in her hands, took up her way.

But she never could find where the Christ Child lay.

�

And still she wanders at Christmastide,

Houseless, whose house was all her pride,

�

Whose heart was tardy, whose gifts were late;

Wanders, and knocks at every gate,

Crying, "Good people, the bells begin!

Put off your toiling and let love in."

�

Phyllis McGinley

Back to poetry page.

Graphics by Victorian Ever After

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws