The Inn-Keeper Makes Excuses

'Oh, if only I had known!' Said the keeper of the inn. 'But no hint to me was shown, And I didn't let them in. 'Yes, a star gleamed overhead, But I couldn't read the skies, And I'd given every bed To the very rich and wise. 'And she was so poorly clad, And he hadn't much to say! But no room for them I had, So I ordered them away. 'She seemed tired, and it was late And they begged so hard, that I Feeling sorry for her state, In the stable let them lie. 'Had I turned some rich man out Just to make a place for them 'Twould have killed, beyond a doubt, All my trade at Bethlehem. 'Then there came the wise men three To the stable, with the morn, Who announced they'd come to see The great King who had been born. 'And they brought Him gifts of myrrh, Costly frankincense and gold, And a great light shone on her In the stable, bleak and cold. 'All my patrons, now are dead And forgotten, but to-day All the world to peace is led By the ones I sent away 'It was my unlucky fate To be born that Inn to own, Against Christ I shut my gate— Oh, if only I had known!'