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diff --git a/44524-0.txt b/44524-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3f731d2 --- /dev/null +++ b/44524-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1627 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44524 *** + + Transcriber's Note: + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible. + + Italic text has been marked with _underscores_. + + + + + CHRISTMAS IN POETRY + + CAROLS AND POEMS + + CHOSEN BY A COMMITTEE + OF THE + CARNEGIE LIBRARY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION + + FIRST SERIES + + NEW YORK + THE H. W. WILSON COMPANY + LONDON: GRAFTON & CO. + 1922 + + + + + Printed in the United States of America + + + + +CONTENTS + + + As Joseph Was A-Walking 31 + From The Cherry Tree Carol + + Boots and Saddles 7 + Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly + + Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella! 29 + Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly + + Carol 34 + William Canton + + Carol 9 + Kenneth Grahame + + Carol in Praise of the Holly and Ivy 45 + Fifteenth Century Carol + + Carol of the Birds 23 + Bas-Quercy + + Carol of the Russian Children 11 + Russian Folk Song + + Ceremonies for Christmas 46 + Robert Herrick + + Child's Present to His Child-Saviour 35 + Robert Herrick + + Christmas 16 + Nahum Tate + + Christmas Carol 1 + Old English Carol + + Christmas Carol 19 + Translated from the Neapolitan + + Christmas Carol 36 + Josiah Gilbert Holland + + Christmas Carol 33 + Christine G. Rossetti + + Christmas Eve 21 + John Davidson + + Christmas Eve--Another Ceremony 47 + Robert Herrick + + Christmas Eve--Another Ceremony to the Maids 47 + Robert Herrick + + Christmas Folksong 30 + Lisette Woodworth Reese + + Christmas Hymn 14 + C. Frances Alexander + + Christmas Silence 28 + Margaret Deland + + Cradle Hymn 32 + Martin Luther + + From Far Away 2 + William Morris + + God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen 42 + Dinah Maria Mulock + + Golden Carol 20 + Old Carol + + Good King Wenceslas 38 + Translated from the Latin by J. M. Neale + + Least of Carols 26 + Sophie Jewett + + Lordings, Listen to Our Lay 4 + Old Carol + + Nativity Song 27 + Sophie Jewett + + Neighbors of Bethlehem 10 + Thirteenth Century French Carol + + Our Joyful Feast 48 + George Wither + + Shepherd Who Stayed 37 + Theodosia Garrison + + Shepherds Had an Angel 24 + Christina G. Rossetti + + Signs of Christmas 12 + Edwin Lees + + Song of a Shepherd Boy at Bethlehem 25 + Josephine Preston Peabody + + Story of the Shepherd 17 + Translated from the Spanish + + 'Twas Jolly, Jolly Wat 5 + C. W. Stubbs + + Wassail Song 43 + Old Devonshire Carol + + Wassailer's Song 44 + Robert Southwell + + We Three Kings 40 + J. H. Hopkins, jr. + + + + +A CHRISTMAS CAROL + + + God bless the master of this house, + The mistress also, + And all the little children, + That round the table go. + + And all your kin and folk, + That dwell both far and near; + I wish you a merry Christmas, + And a happy New Year. + +_Old English Carol_ + + + + +FROM FAR AWAY + + + From far away we come to you. + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + To tell of great tidings, strange and true. + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + From far away we come to you, + To tell of great tidings, strange and true. + + For as we wandered far and wide, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + What hap do you deem there should us betide? + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + Under a bent when the night was deep, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + There lay three shepherds, tending their sheep. + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + "O ye shepherds, what have ye seen, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + To stay your sorrow and heal your teen?" + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + "In an ox stall this night we saw, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + A Babe and a maid without a flaw. + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + "There was an old man there beside; + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + His hair was white, and his hood was wide. + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + "And as we gazed this thing upon, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + Those twain knelt down to the little one. + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + "And a marvellous song we straight did hear, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door. + That slew our sorrow and healed our care." + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + + News of a fair and marvellous thing, + The snow in the street, and the wind on the door, + Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, we sing. + Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor. + From far away we come to you, + To tell of great tidings, strange and true. + +_William Morris_ + + + + +LORDINGS, LISTEN TO OUR LAY + + + Lordings, listen to our lay-- + We have come from far away + To seek Christmas; + In this mansion we are told + He His yearly feast doth hold: + 'Tis to-day! + May joy come from God above, + To all those who Christmas love. + +_Old Carol_ + + + + +'TWAS JOLLY, JOLLY WAT + + + 'Twas jolly, jolly Wat, my foy, + He was a goodman's shepherd boy, + And he sat by his sheep + On the hill-side so steep, + And piped this song, + Ut hoy! Ut hoy! + O merry, merry sing for joy, + Ut hoy! + + A'down from Heav'n that is so high + There came an angel companye, + And on Bethlehem hill + Thro' the night-tide so still + Their song out-rang: + On high, On high, + O glory be to God on high, + On high! + + Now must Wat go where Christ is born, + Yea, go and come again to-morn. + And my pipe it shall play, + All my heart it doth say + To Shepherd King: + Ut hoy! Ut hoy! + O merry, merry sing for joy, + Ut hoy! + + O peace on earth, good will to men, + The angels sang again, again, + For to you was He born + On this Christmas morn, + So sing we all: + On high, On high, + O glory be to God on high, + On high! + + Jesu my King, it's naught for Thee, + A bob of cherries, one, two, three, + But my tar-box and ball, + And my pipe, I give all + To Thee, my King. + Ut hoy! Ut hoy! + O merry, merry sing for joy, + Ut hoy! + + Farewell, herd-boy, saith Mary mild. + Thanks, jolly Wat, smiled Mary's child, + For fit gift for a king + Is your heart in the thing. + So pipe you well, + For joy, for joy! + O merry, merry sing for joy, + Ut hoy! + +_C. W. Stubbs_ + + + + +BOOTS AND SADDLES + + + Our shepherds all + As pilgrims have departed, + Our shepherds all + Have gone to Bethlehem. + They gladly go + For they are all stout-hearted, + They gladly go-- + Ah, could I go with them! + + I am too lame to walk, + Boots and saddles, boots and saddles, + I am too lame to walk, + Boots and saddles, mount and ride. + + A shepherd stout + Who sang a catamiaulo, + A shepherd stout + Was walking lazily. + He heard me speak + And saw me hobbling after, + He turned and said + He would give help to me. + + "Here is my horse + That flies along the high-road, + Here is my horse, + The best in all the towns. + I bought him from + A soldier in the army, + I got my horse + By payment of five crowns." + + When I have seen + The Child, the King of Heaven, + When I have seen + The Child who is God's son, + When to the mother, + I my praise have given, + When I have finished, + All I should have done: + + No more shall I be lame, + Boots and saddles, boots and saddles, + No more shall I be lame, + Boots and saddles, mount and ride. + +_Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly_ + + +_Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company._ + + + + +CAROL + + + Villagers all, this frosty tide, + Let your doors swing open wide, + Though wind may follow, and snow beside, + Yet draw us in by your fire to bide; + Joy shall be yours in the morning! + + Here we stand in the cold and the sleet, + Blowing fingers and stamping feet, + Come from far away you to greet-- + You by the fire and we in the street-- + Bidding you joy in the morning! + + For ere one half of the night was gone, + Sudden a star has led us on, + Raining bliss and benison-- + Bliss to-morrow and more anon, + Joy for every morning! + + Goodman Joseph toiled through the snow-- + Saw the star o'er a stable low; + Mary she might not further go-- + Welcome thatch, and litter below! + Joy was hers in the morning! + + And then they heard the angels tell + "Who were the first to cry NOWELL? + Animals all, as it befell, + In the stable where they did dwell! + Joy shall be theirs in the morning!" + +_Kenneth Grahame_ + + + _From "The Wind in the Willows"; + Copyright, 1908, by Charles Scribner's Sons. + Included by permission of the publishers._ + + + + +THE NEIGHBORS OF BETHLEHEM + + + Good neighbor, tell me why that sound, + That noisy tumult rising round, + Awaking all in slumber lying? + Truly disturbing are these cries, + All through the quiet village flying, + O come ye shepherds, wake, arise! + + What, neighbor, then do ye not know + God hath appeared on earth below + And now is born in manger lowly! + In humble guise he came this night, + Simple and meek, this infant holy, + Yet how divine in beauty bright. + + Good neighbor, I must make amend, + Forthwith to bring Him will I send, + And Joseph with the gentle Mother. + When to my home these three I bring, + Then will it far outshine all other, + A palace fair for greatest king! + +_Thirteenth Century French Carol_ + + +_Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company._ + + + + +CAROL OF THE RUSSIAN CHILDREN + + + Snow-bound mountains, snow-bound valleys, + Snow-bound plateaus, clad in white, + Fur-robed moujiks, fur-robed nobles, + Fur-robed children, see the light. + Shaggy pony, shaggy oxen, + Gentle shepherds wait the light; + Little Jesus, little Mother, + Good St. Joseph, come this night. + +_Russian Folk Song_ + + +_Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company._ + + + + +SIGNS OF CHRISTMAS + + + When on the barn's thatch'd roof is seen + The moss in tufts of liveliest green; + When Roger to the wood pile goes, + And, as he turns, his fingers blows; + When all around is cold and drear, + Be sure that Christmas-tide is near. + + When up the garden walk in vain + We seek for Flora's lovely train; + When the sweet hawthorn bower is bare, + And bleak and cheerless is the air; + When all seems desolate around, + Christmas advances o'er the ground. + + When Tom at eve comes home from plough, + And brings the mistletoe's green bough, + With milk-white berries spotted o'er, + And shakes it the sly maids before, + Then hangs the trophy up on high, + Be sure that Christmas-tide is nigh. + + When Hal, the woodman, in his clogs, + Bears home the huge unwieldy logs, + That, hissing on the smouldering fire, + Flame out at last a quiv'ring spire; + When in his hat the holly stands, + Old Christmas musters up his bands. + + When cluster'd round the fire at night, + Old William talks of ghost and sprite, + And, as a distant out-house gate + Slams by the wind, they fearful wait, + While some each shadowy nook explore, + Then Christmas pauses at the door. + + When Dick comes shiv'ring from the yard, + And says the pond is frozen hard, + While from his hat, all white with snow, + The moisture, trickling, drops below, + While carols sound, the night to cheer, + Then Christmas and his train are here. + +_Edwin Lees_ + + + + +A CHRISTMAS HYMN + + + Once in royal David's city + Stood a lowly cattle-shed + Where a mother laid her Baby, + In a manger for His bed. + Mary was that mother mild, + Jesus Christ her little Child. + + He came down to earth from heaven, + Who is God and Lord of all, + And His shelter was a stable, + And His cradle was a stall. + With the poor, and mean, and lowly + Lived on earth our Saviour holy. + + And through all His wondrous childhood, + He would honour and obey. + Love and watch the lowly mother + In whose gentle arms He lay. + Christian children, all must be + Mild, obedient, good as He. + + For He is our childhood's Pattern, + Day by day like us He grew; + He was little, weak, and helpless, + Tears and smiles like us He knew: + And He feeleth for our sadness, + And He shareth in our gladness. + + And our eyes at last shall see Him, + Through His own redeeming love, + For that Child so dear and gentle + Is our Lord in Heaven above; + And He leads His children on + To the place where He is gone. + + Not in that poor lowly stable, + With the oxen standing by, + We shall see Him; but in Heaven, + Set at God's right hand on high; + When like stars His children crowned, + All in white shall wait around. + +_C. Frances Alexander_ + + + + +CHRISTMAS + + + While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night, + All seated on the ground, + The angel of the Lord came down, + And glory shone around. + + "Fear not," said he (for mighty dread + Had seized their troubled mind); + "Glad tidings of great joy I bring + To you and all mankind. + + "To you, in David's town, this day + Is born of David's line + The Saviour who is Christ the Lord; + And this shall be the sign: + + "The heavenly Babe you there shall find + To human view display'd, + All meanly wrapt in swathing bands, + And in a manger laid." + + Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith + Appear'd a shining throng + Of angels, praising God, and thus + Address'd their joyful song: + + "All glory be to God on high, + And to the earth be peace; + Good-will henceforth from heaven to men + Begin, and never cease!" + +_Nahum Tate_ + + + + +THE STORY OF THE SHEPHERD + + + It was the very noon of night: the stars above the fold, + More sure than clock or chiming bell, the hour of midnight told: + When from the heav'ns there came a voice, and forms were seen to shine + Still bright'ning as the music rose with light and love divine. + With love divine, the song began; there shone a light serene: + O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen? + + O ne'er could nightingale at dawn salute the rising day + With sweetness like that bird of song in his immortal lay: + O ne'er were woodnotes heard at eve by banks with poplar shade + So thrilling as the concert sweet by heav'nly harpings made; + For love divine was in each chord, and filled each pause between: + O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen? + + I roused me at the piercing strain, but shrunk as from the ray + Of summer lightning: all around so bright the splendour lay. + For oh, it mastered sight and sense, to see that glory shine, + To hear that minstrel in the clouds, who sang of Love Divine, + To see that form with bird-like wings, of more than mortal mien: + O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen? + + When once the rapturous trance was past, that so my sense could bind, + I left my sheep to Him whose care breathed in the western wind: + I left them, for instead of snow, I trod on blade and flower, + And ice dissolved in starry rays at morning's gracious hour, + Revealing where on earth the steps of Love Divine had been: + O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen? + + I hasted to a low-roofed shed, for so the Angel bade; + And bowed before the lowly rack where Love Divine was laid: + A new-born Babe, like tender Lamb, with Lion's strength there smiled; + For Lion's strength immortal might, was in that new-born Child; + That Love Divine in child-like form had God for ever been: + O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen? + +_Translated from the Spanish_ + + + + +A CHRISTMAS CAROL + + + When Christ was born in Bethlehem, + 'Twas night but seemed the noon of day: + The star whose light + Was pure and bright, + Shone with unwav'ring ray; + But one bright star, + One glorious star + Guided the Eastern Magi from afar. + + Then peace was spread throughout the land; + The lion fed beside the lamb; + And with the kid, + To pastures led, + The spotted leopard fed + In peace, in peace + The calf and bear, + The wolf and lamb reposed together there. + + As shepherds watched their flocks by night, + An angel brighter than the sun + Appeared in air, + And gently said, + "Fear not, be not afraid, + Behold, behold, + Beneath your eyes, + Earth has become a smiling Paradise." + +_Translated from the Neapolitan_ + + + + +THE GOLDEN CAROL + +(_Of Melchior, Balthazar, and Caspar, the Three Kings_) + + + We saw the light shine out a-far, + On Christmas in the morning. + And straight we knew Christ's Star it was, + Bright beaming in the morning. + Then did we fall on bended knee, + On Christmas in the morning, + And prais'd the Lord, who'd let us see + His glory at its dawning. + + Oh! every thought be of His Name, + On Christmas in the morning, + Who bore for us both grief and shame, + Afflictions sharpest scorning. + And may we die (when death shall come), + On Christmas in the morning, + And see in heav'n, our glorious home, + The Star of Christmas morning. + +_Old Carol_ + + + + +CHRISTMAS EVE + + + In holly hedges starving birds + Silently mourn the setting year; + Upright like silver-plated swords + The flags stand in the frozen mere. + + The mistletoe we still adore + Upon the twisted hawthorn grows: + In antique gardens hellebore + Puts forth its blushing Christmas rose. + + Shrivell'd and purple, cheek by jowl, + The hips and haws hang drearily; + Roll'd in a ball the sulky owl + Creeps far into his hollow tree. + + In abbeys and cathedrals dim + The birth of Christ is acted o'er; + The kings of Cologne worship him, + Balthazar, Jasper, Melchior. + + The shepherds in the field at night + Beheld an angel glory-clad. + And shrank away with sore afright. + "Be not afraid," the angel bade. + + "I bring good news to king and clown, + To you here crouching on the sward; + For there is born in David's town + A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. + + "Behold the babe is swathed, and laid + Within a manger." Straight there stood + Beside the angel all arrayed + A heavenly multitude. + + "Glory to God," they sang; "and peace, + Good pleasure among men." + The wondrous message of release! + Glory to God again! + + Hush! Hark! the waits, far up the street! + A distant, ghostly charm unfolds, + Of magic music wild and sweet, + Anemones and clarigolds. + +_John Davidson_ + + +_From "Fleet Street Eclogues." Included by permission of Dodd, Mead and +Company._ + + + + +CAROL OF THE BIRDS + + + Whence comes this rush of wings afar. + Following straight the Noël star? + Birds from the woods in wondrous flight, + Bethlehem seek this Holy Night. + + "Tell us, ye birds, why come ye here. + Into this stable, poor and drear?" + "Hast'ning we seek the new-born King, + And all our sweetest music bring." + + Hark how the green-finch bears his part, + Philomel, too, with tender heart, + Chants from her leafy dark retreat + Re, mi, fa, sol, in accents sweet. + + Angels and shepherds, birds of the sky, + Come where the Son of God doth lie; + Christ on the earth with man doth dwell. + Join in the shout, Noël, Noël. + +_Bas-Quercy_ + + + + +THE SHEPHERDS HAD AN ANGEL + + + The shepherds had an angel, + The wise men had a star; + But what have I, a little child, + To guide me home from far, + Where glad stars sing together, + And singing angels are? + + Lord Jesus is my Guardian, + So I can nothing lack; + The lambs lie in His bosom + Along life's dangerous track: + The wilful lambs that go astray + He, bleeding, brings them back. + + Those shepherds thro' the lonely night + Sat watching by their sheep, + Until they saw the heav'nly host + Who neither tire nor sleep, + All singing Glory, glory, + In festival they keep. + + Christ watches me, His little lamb, + Cares for me day and night, + That I may be His own in heav'n; + So angels clad in white + Shall sing their Glory, glory, + For my sake in the height. + + Lord, bring me nearer day by day, + Till I my voice unite, + And sing my Glory, glory, + With angels clad in white. + All Glory, glory, giv'n to Thee, + Thro' all the heav'nly height. + +_Christina G. Rossetti_ + + + + +SONG OF A SHEPHERD BOY AT BETHLEHEM + + + Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary, + Rest Thee now. + Though these hands be rough from shearing + And the plow, + Yet they shall not ever fail Thee, + When the waiting nations hail Thee, + Bringing palms unto their King. + Now--I sing. + + Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary, + Hope divine. + If Thou wilt but smile upon me, + I will twine + Blossoms for Thy garlanding. + Thou'rt so little to be King, + God's Desire! + Not a brier + Shall be left to grieve Thy brow; + Rest Thee now. + + Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary, + Some fair day + Wilt Thou, as Thou wert a brother, + Come away + Over hills and over hollow? + All the lambs will up and follow. + Follow but for love of Thee. + Lov'st Thou me? + + Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary, + Rest Thee now. + I that watch am come from sheep-stead + And from plough. + Thou wilt have disdain of me + When Thou'rt lifted, royally, + Very high for all to see: + Smilest Thou? + +_Josephine Preston Peabody_ + + +_Included by permission of the author._ + + + + +THE LEAST OF CAROLS + + + Loveliest dawn of gold and rose + Steals across undrifted snows; + In brown, rustling oak leaves stir + Squirrel, nuthatch, woodpecker; + Brief their matins, but, by noon, + All the sunny wood's a-tune: + Jays, forgetting their harsh cries, + Pipe a spring note, clear and true; + Wheel on angel wings of blue, + Trumpeters of Paradise; + Then the tiniest feathered thing, + All a-flutter, tail and wing, + Gives himself to caroling: + + "Chick-a-dee-dee, chick-a-dee! + Jesulino, hail to thee! + Lowliest baby born to-day, + Pillowed on a wisp of hay; + King no less of sky and earth, + And singing sea; + Jesu! Jesu! most and least! + For the sweetness of thy birth + Every little bird and beast, + Wind and wave and forest tree, + Praises God exceedingly, + Exceedingly." + +_Sophie Jewett_ + + +_From "The Poems of Sophie Jewett." Included by permission of the +Thomas Y. Crowell Company._ + + + + +NATIVITY SONG + + + The beautiful mother is bending + Low where her baby lies, + Helpless and frail, for her tending; + But she knows the glorious eyes. + + The mother smiles and rejoices + While the baby laughs in the hay; + She listens to heavenly voices: + "The child shall be king, one day." + + O dear little Christ in the manger, + Let me make merry with thee. + O King, in my hour of danger, + Wilt thou be strong for me? + + _Adapted from the Latin of Jacopone da Todi + by Sophie Jewett_ + + +_From "The Poems of Sophie Jewett." Included by permission of the +Thomas Y. Crowell Company._ + + + + +THE CHRISTMAS SILENCE + + + Hushed are the pigeons cooing low, + On dusty rafters of the loft; + And mild-eyed oxen, breathing soft, + Sleep on the fragrant hay below. + + Dim shadows in the corner hide; + The glimmering lantern's rays are shed + Where one young lamb just lifts his head, + Then huddles 'gainst his mother's side. + + Strange silence tingles in the air; + Through the half-open door a bar + Of light from one low hanging star + Touches a baby's radiant hair-- + + No sound--the mother, kneeling, lays + Her cheek against the little face. + Oh human love! Oh heavenly grace! + 'Tis yet in silence that she prays! + + Ages of silence end to-night; + Then to the long-expectant earth + Glad angels come to greet His birth + In burst of music, love, and light! + +_Margaret Deland_ + + +_Included by permission of the author._ + + + + +BRING A TORCH, JEANETTE, ISABELLA! + + + Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella! + Bring a torch, to the cradle run! + It is Jesus, good folk of the village; + Christ is born, and Mary's calling; + Ah! Ah! beautiful is the mother; + Ah! Ah! beautiful is her son. + + It is wrong when the Child is sleeping, + It is wrong to talk so loud; + Silence, all, as you gather around, + Lest your noise should waken Jesus: + Hush! Hush! see how fast He slumbers; + Hush! Hush! see how fast He sleeps. + + Who goes there a-knocking so loudly? + Who goes there a-knocking like that? + Ope your doors, I have here on a plate + Some very good cakes which I am bringing: + Toc! Toc! quickly your doors now open; + Toc! Toc! come let us make good cheer. + + Softly to the little stable, + Softly for a moment come; + Look and see how charming is Jesus, + How He is white, His cheeks are rosy. + Hush! Hush! see how the Child is sleeping; + Hush! Hush! see how He smiles in dreams. + +_Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly_ + + + + +CHRISTMAS FOLKSONG + + + The little Jesus came to town; + The wind blew up, the wind blew down; + Out in the street the wind was bold. + Now who would house Him from the cold? + + Then opened wide a stable door + Fain were the rushes on the floor; + The Ox put forth a horned head: + "Come, little Lord, here make Thy bed." + + Uprose the Sheep were folded near: + "Thou Lamb of God, come, enter here." + He entered there to rush and reed, + Who was the Lamb of God indeed. + + The little Jesus came to town; + With ox and sheep He laid Him down. + Peace to the byre, peace to the fold, + For that they housed Him from the cold. + +_Lisette Woodworth Reese_ + + +_Included by permission of Thomas B. Mosher._ + + + + +AS JOSEPH WAS A-WALKING + + + As Joseph was a-walking + He heard an angel sing:-- + "This night there shall be born + Our heavenly King. + + "He neither shall be born + In housen, nor in hall, + Nor in the place of Paradise, + But in an ox's stall. + + "He neither shall be clothéd + In purple nor in pall; + But in the fair, white linen, + That usen babies all. + + "He neither shall be rockéd + In silver nor in gold, + But in a wooden cradle + That rocks on the mould. + + "He neither shall be christened + In white wine nor in red, + But with fair spring water + With which we were christenéd." + + Mary took her baby, + She dressed Him so sweet, + She laid Him in a manger, + All there for to sleep. + + As she stood over Him + She heard angels sing, + "O bless our dear Saviour, + Our heavenly King." + +_From the Cherry Tree Carol_ + + + + +CRADLE HYMN + + + Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, + The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. + The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay-- + The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. + + The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, + But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. + I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, + And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. + +_Martin Luther_ + + + + +A CHRISTMAS CAROL + + + In the bleak mid-winter + Frosty wind made moan, + Earth stood hard as iron, + Water like a stone; + Snow had fallen, snow on snow, + Snow on snow, + In the bleak mid-winter + Long ago. + + Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him + Nor earth sustain; + Heaven and earth shall flee away + When He comes to reign. + In the bleak mid-winter + A stable-place sufficed + The Lord God Almighty + Jesus Christ. + + Angels and archangels + May have gathered there, + Cherubim and seraphim + Thronged the air; + But only His Mother + In her maiden bliss + Worshipped her Beloved + With a kiss. + + What can I give Him, + Poor as I am? + If I were a shepherd + I would bring a lamb, + If I were a Wise Man, + I would do my part,-- + Yet what I can I give Him, + Give my heart. + +_Christina G. Rossetti_ + + + + +CAROL + + + When the herds were watching + In the midnight chill, + Came a spotless lambkin + From the heavenly hill. + + Snow was on the mountains, + And the wind was cold, + When from God's own garden + Dropped a rose of gold. + + When 'twas bitter winter, + Houseless and forlorn + In a star-lit stable + Christ the Babe was born. + + Welcome, heavenly lambkin; + Welcome, golden rose; + Alleluia, Baby, + In the swaddling clothes! + +_William Canton_ + + + + +A CHILD'S PRESENT TO HIS CHILD-SAVIOUR + + + Go, pretty child, and bear this flower + Unto thy little Saviour; + And tell Him, by that bud now blown, + He is the Rose of Sharon known. + When thou hast said so, stick it there + Upon His bib, or stomacher; + And tell Him, for good handsel[A] too, + That thou hast brought a whistle new, + Made of a clean straight oaten reed, + To charm his cries at time of need. + Tell Him, for coral thou hast none, + But if thou hadst, He should have one; + But poor thou art, and known to be + Even as moneyless as He. + Lastly, if thou canst win a kiss + From those mellifluous lips of His, + Then never take a second on, + To spoil the first impression. + +_Robert Herrick_ + + +[A] handsel: a gift for good luck. + + + + +A CHRISTMAS CAROL + + + There's a song in the air! + There's a star in the sky! + There's a mother's deep prayer + And a baby's low cry! + And the star rains its fire while the Beautiful sing, + For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king. + + There's a tumult of joy + O'er the wonderful birth, + For the virgin's sweet boy + Is the Lord of the earth, + Ay! the star rains its fire and the Beautiful sing, + For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king. + + In the light of that star + Lie the ages impearled; + And that song from afar + Has swept over the world. + Every hearth is aflame, and the Beautiful sing + In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King. + + We rejoice in the light, + And we echo the song + That comes down through the night + From the heavenly throng. + Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, + And we greet in His cradle our Saviour and King. + +_Josiah Gilbert Holland_ + + + + +THE SHEPHERD WHO STAYED + + + _There are in Paradise + Souls neither great nor wise, + Yet souls who wear no less + The crown of faithfulness._ + + My master bade me watch the flock by night; + My duty was to stay. I do not know + What thing my comrades saw in that great light, + I did not heed the words that bade them go, + I know not were they maddened or afraid; + I only know I stayed. + + The hillside seemed on fire; I felt the sweep + Of wings above my head; I ran to see + If any danger threatened these my sheep. + What though I found them folded quietly, + What though my brother wept and plucked my sleeve, + They were not mine to leave. + + Thieves in the wood and wolves upon the hill, + My duty was to stay. Strange though it be, + I had no thought to hold my mates, no will + To bid them wait and keep the watch with me. + I had not heard that summons they obeyed; + I only know I stayed. + + Perchance they will return upon the dawn + With word of Bethlehem and why they went. + I only know that watching here alone, + I know a strange content. + I have not failed that trust upon me laid; + I ask no more--I stayed. + +_Theodosia Garrison_ + + +_Included by permission of the author and of The Century Company._ + + + + +GOOD KING WENCESLAS + + + Good King Wenceslas looked out + On the Feast of Stephen, + When the snow lay round about, + Deep, and crisp, and even. + + Brightly shone the moon that night + Though the frost was cruel, + When a poor man came in sight, + Gath'ring winter fuel. + + "Hither, page, and stand by me, + If thou know'st it, telling. + Yonder peasant, who is he? + Where and what his dwelling?" + + "Sire, he lives a good league hence, + Underneath the mountain; + Right against the forest fence, + By Saint Agnes' fountain." + + "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, + Bring me pine-logs hither; + Thou and I shall see him dine, + When we bear them thither." + + Page and monarch, forth they went, + Forth they went together; + Through the rude wind's wild lament + And the bitter weather. + + "Sire, the night is darker now, + And the wind blows stronger; + Fails my heart, I know not how, + I can go no longer." + + "Mark my footsteps, good my page; + Tread thou in them boldly: + Thou shalt find the winter rage + Freeze thy blood less coldly." + + In his master's steps he trod, + Where the snow lay dinted; + Heat was in the very sod + Where the saint has printed. + + Therefore, Christian men, be sure, + Wealth or rank possessing, + Ye who now will bless the poor, + Shall yourselves find blessing. + +_Translated from the Latin by J. M. Neale_ + + + + +WE THREE KINGS + + + We Three Kings of Orient are, + Bearing gifts we traverse afar, + Field and fountain, + Moor and mountain, + Following yonder star. + + _Chorus_ + O Star of wonder, Star of night, + Star with Royal Beauty bright, + Westward leading. + Still proceeding, + Guide us to Thy perfect Light. + + Gaspard: Born a king on Bethlehem plain, + Gold I bring to crown Him again; + King forever, + Ceasing never + Over us all to reign. + + Chorus: O Star of wonder.... + + Melchior: Frankincense to offer have I, + Incense owns a deity nigh; + Prayer and praising + All men raising, + Worship Him God on high. + + Chorus: O Star of wonder.... + + Balthazar: Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume + Breathes a life of gathering gloom; + Sorrowing, sighing, + Bleeding, dying, + Sealed in a stone-cold tomb. + + Chorus: O Star of wonder.... + + Glorious now behold Him arise, + King and God, and Sacrifice; + Heav'n sings Allelujah: + Allelujah, + The earth replies. + +_J. H. Hopkins, Jr._ + + + + +GOD REST YE, MERRY GENTLEMEN + + + God rest ye, merry gentlemen; let nothing you dismay, + For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas-day. + The dawn rose red o'er Bethlehem, the stars shone through the gray, + When Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas-day. + + God rest ye, little children; let nothing you affright, + For Jesus Christ, your Saviour, was born this happy night; + Along the hills of Galilee the white flocks sleeping lay, + When Christ, the child of Nazareth, was born on Christmas-day. + + God rest ye, all good Christians; upon this blessed morn + The Lord of all good Christians was of a woman born: + Now all your sorrows He doth heal, your sins He takes away; + For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas-day. + +_Dinah Maria Mulock_ + + + + +THE WASSAIL SONG + + + Here we come a-wassailing + Among the leaves so green, + Here we come a-wandering + So fair to be seen. + + Love and joy come to you + And to your wassail too, + And God bless you, and send you + A happy New Year. + + We are not daily beggars + That beg from door to door, + But we are neighbours' children + That you have seen before. + + Good Master and good Mistress, + As you sit by the fire, + Pray think of us poor children + Who are wandering in the mire. + + Bring us out a table + And spread it with a cloth; + Bring us out a mouldy cheese + And some of your Christmas loaf. + + God bless the master of this house, + Likewise the mistress too; + And all the little children + That round the table go. + +_Old Devonshire Carol_ + + +_Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company._ + + + + +WASSAILER'S SONG + + + Wassail! Wassail! all over the town, + Our bread it is white, our ale it is brown; + Our bowl is made of a maplin tree; + We be good fellows all;--I drink to thee. + + Here's to our horse, and to his right ear, + God send master a happy new year; + A happy new year as ever he did see,-- + With my wassail bowl I drink to thee. + + Here's to our mare, and to her right eye, + God send our mistress a good Christmas pie; + A good Christmas pie as e'er I did see,-- + With my wassailing bowl I drink to thee. + + Here's to our cow, and to her long tail, + God send our master us never may fail + Of a cup of good beer: I pray you draw near, + And our jolly wassail it's then you shall hear. + + Be here any maids? I suppose here be some; + Sure they will not let young men stand on the cold stone! + Sing hey, O, maids! come trole back the pin, + And the fairest maid in the house let us all in. + + Come, butler, come, bring us a bowl of the best; + I hope your souls in heaven will rest; + But if you do bring us a bowl of the small, + Then, down fall butler, and bowl and all. + +_Robert Southwell_ + + + + +CAROL IN PRAISE OF THE HOLLY AND IVY + +(_Holly and Ivy Made a Great Party_) + + + Holly and Ivy made a great party, + Who should have the mastery + In lands where they go. + + Then spake Holly, "I am fierce and jolly, + I will have the mastery + In lands where we go." + + Then spake Ivy, "I am loud and proud, + And I will have the mastery + In lands where we go." + + Then spake Holly, and bent him down on his knee, + "I pray thee, gentle Ivy, + Essay me no villany + In the lands where we go." + +_Fifteenth Century Carol_ + + + + +CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS + + + Come, bring with a noise, + My merry, merry boys, + The Christmas log to the firing, + While my good dame, she + Bids ye all be free, + And drink to your heart's desiring. + + With the last year's brand + Light the new block, and + For good success in his spending, + On your psalteries play, + That sweet luck may + Come while the log is a-tending. + + Drink now the strong beer, + Cut the white loaf here, + The while the meat is a-shredding; + For the rare mince-pie + And the plums stand by + To fill the paste that's a-kneading. + +_Robert Herrick_ + + + + +CHRISTMAS EVE--ANOTHER CEREMONY + + + Come, guard this night the Christmas-pie, + That the thief, though ne'er so sly, + With his flesh-hooks, don't come nigh + To catch it. + + From him, who alone sits there, + Having his eyes still in his ear, + And a deal of nightly fear + To watch it. + + + + +ANOTHER TO THE MAIDS + + + Wash your hands, or else the fire + Will not tend to your desire; + Unwashed hands, ye maidens, know, + Dead the fire, though ye blow. + +_Robert Herrick_ + + + + +OUR JOYFUL FEAST + + + So, now is come our joyful feast, + Let every soul be jolly! + Each room with ivy leaves is drest, + And every post with holly. + Though some churls at our mirth repine, + Round your brows let garlands twine, + Drown sorrow in a cup of wine, + And let us all be merry! + + Now all our neighbours' chimneys smoke, + And Christmas logs are burning; + Their ovens with baked meats do choke, + And all their spits are turning. + Without the door let sorrow lie, + And if for cold it hap to die, + We'll bury it in Christmas pie, + And evermore be merry! + +_George Wither_ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Christmas in Poetry, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44524 *** |