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,
I'll fetch Him a pillow for His head,
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.