The end of the Christmas Octave brings us to Epiphany Eve: so end our special Twelve-Days features, which we hope you have enjoyed. For all their erudition, charm and wit, the prickly literary convert Evelyn Waugh now reminds us that those of us who tend towards letters and learning have a special need of the prayers of the sophisticated Magi, with their fine tastes and strange offerings.

Like me, you were late in coming.
The shepherds were here long before,
even the cattle. They had joined
the chorus of angels
before you were started.