As with Gladness, Men of Old As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.   As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger-bed, There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore; So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.   As they offered gifts most rare, At that manger rude and bare, So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s allow, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.   Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way; And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.    -- William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898)