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diff --git a/44524-h/44524-h.htm b/44524-h/44524-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..66cfd45 --- /dev/null +++ b/44524-h/44524-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1830 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Christmas in Poetry, by Various. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +hr.chap {width: 65%} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +td { vertical-align: top; } + +.tdh { + padding-top: 1em; + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.tdp { + padding-top: 1em; + padding-left: 2em; + text-align: right; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} /* page numbers */ + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + +.fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: small; + text-decoration: + none; +} + +/* Poetry */ +.poem { + display: inline-block; + text-align: left; +} + +.poem br {display: none;} + +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:smaller; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; } + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i10 {display: block; margin-left: 5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i12 {display: block; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i20 {display: block; margin-left: 10em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i24 {display: block; margin-left: 12em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 3em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + +.author { margin-left: 50%; } +.ilb { display: inline-block; } + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44524 ***</div> + +<div class="transnote"> +<p>Transcriber's Note:</p> + +<p>Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as +possible.</p> +</div> + +<h1>Christmas in Poetry</h1> + +<div class="center"> +<img id="coverpage" src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="383" height="600" alt="" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p class="center">Printed in the United States of America</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<table summary="contents"> +<tr><td class="tdh">As Joseph Was A-Walking<br /> +From The Cherry Tree Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Boots and Saddles<br /> +Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella!<br /> +Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Carol<br /> +William Canton</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Carol<br /> +Kenneth Grahame</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Carol in Praise of the Holly and Ivy<br /> +Fifteenth Century Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Carol of the Birds<br /> +Bas-Quercy</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Carol of the Russian Children<br /> +Russian Folk Song</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Ceremonies for Christmas<br /> +Robert Herrick</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Child’s Present to His Child-Saviour<br /> +Robert Herrick</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas<br /> +Nahum Tate</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Carol<br /> +Old English Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Carol<br /> +Translated from the Neapolitan</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Carol<br /> +Josiah Gilbert Holland</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Carol<br /> +Christine G. Rossetti</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Eve<br /> +John Davidson</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Eve—Another Ceremony<br /> +Robert Herrick</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Eve—Another Ceremony to the Maids<br /> +Robert Herrick</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Folksong<br /> +Lisette Woodworth Reese</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Hymn<br /> +C. Frances Alexander</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Christmas Silence<br /> +Margaret Deland</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Cradle Hymn<br /> +Martin Luther</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">From Far Away<br /> +William Morris</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen<br /> +Dinah Maria Mulock</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Golden Carol<br /> +Old Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Good King Wenceslas<br /> +Translated from the Latin by J. M. Neale</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Least of Carols<br /> +Sophie Jewett</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Lordings, Listen to Our Lay<br /> +Old Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Nativity Song<br /> +Sophie Jewett</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Neighbors of Bethlehem<br /> +Thirteenth Century French Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Our Joyful Feast<br /> +George Wither</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Shepherd Who Stayed<br /> +Theodosia Garrison</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Shepherds Had an Angel<br /> +Christina G. Rossetti</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Signs of Christmas<br /> +Edwin Lees</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Song of a Shepherd Boy at Bethlehem<br /> +Josephine Preston Peabody</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Story of the Shepherd<br /> +Translated from the Spanish</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">’Twas Jolly, Jolly Wat<br /> +C. W. Stubbs</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Wassail Song<br /> +Old Devonshire Carol</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">Wassailer’s Song<br /> +Robert Southwell</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh">We Three Kings<br /> +J. H. Hopkins, jr.</td> +<td class="tdp"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + +<h2>A CHRISTMAS CAROL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">God bless the master of this house,<br /></span> +<span class="i10">The mistress also,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the little children,<br /></span> +<span class="i10">That round the table go.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And all your kin and folk,<br /></span> +<span class="i10">That dwell both far and near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I wish you a merry Christmas,<br /></span> +<span class="i10">And a happy New Year.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Old English Carol</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> + +<h2>FROM FAR AWAY</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From far away we come to you.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To tell of great tidings, strange and true.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">From far away we come to you,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To tell of great tidings, strange and true.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For as we wandered far and wide,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What hap do you deem there should us betide?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Under a bent when the night was deep,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There lay three shepherds, tending their sheep.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“O ye shepherds, what have ye seen,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To stay your sorrow and heal your teen?”<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“In an ox stall this night we saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A Babe and a maid without a flaw.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“There was an old man there beside;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His hair was white, and his hood was wide.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“And as we gazed this thing upon,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those twain knelt down to the little one.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“And a marvellous song we straight did hear,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That slew our sorrow and healed our care.”<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">News of a fair and marvellous thing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The snow in the street, and the wind on the door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, we sing.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Minstrels and maids, stand forth on the floor.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">From far away we come to you,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To tell of great tidings, strange and true.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>William Morris</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> + +<h2>LORDINGS, LISTEN TO OUR LAY</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lordings, listen to our lay—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We have come from far away<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To seek Christmas;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In this mansion we are told<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He His yearly feast doth hold:<br /></span> +<span class="i4">’Tis to-day!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May joy come from God above,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To all those who Christmas love.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Old Carol</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> + +<h2>’TWAS JOLLY, JOLLY WAT</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">’Twas jolly, jolly Wat, my foy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He was a goodman’s shepherd boy,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And he sat by his sheep<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On the hill-side so steep,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And piped this song,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy! Ut hoy!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">O merry, merry sing for joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A’down from Heav’n that is so high<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There came an angel companye,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And on Bethlehem hill<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thro’ the night-tide so still<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Their song out-rang:<br /></span> +<span class="i6">On high, On high,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">O glory be to God on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">On high!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Now must Wat go where Christ is born,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yea, go and come again to-morn.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And my pipe it shall play,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">All my heart it doth say<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To Shepherd King:<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy! Ut hoy!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">O merry, merry sing for joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O peace on earth, good will to men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The angels sang again, again,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For to you was He born<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On this Christmas morn,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">So sing we all:<br /></span> +<span class="i6">On high, On high,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">O glory be to God on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">On high!<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Jesu my King, it’s naught for Thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A bob of cherries, one, two, three,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But my tar-box and ball,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And my pipe, I give all<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To Thee, my King.<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy! Ut hoy!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">O merry, merry sing for joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Farewell, herd-boy, saith Mary mild.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thanks, jolly Wat, smiled Mary’s child,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For fit gift for a king<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is your heart in the thing.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">So pipe you well,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">For joy, for joy!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">O merry, merry sing for joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ut hoy!<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>C. W. Stubbs</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<h2>BOOTS AND SADDLES</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Our shepherds all<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As pilgrims have departed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our shepherds all<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Have gone to Bethlehem.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They gladly go<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For they are all stout-hearted,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They gladly go—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Ah, could I go with them!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">I am too lame to walk,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Boots and saddles, boots and saddles,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I am too lame to walk,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Boots and saddles, mount and ride.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A shepherd stout<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Who sang a catamiaulo,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A shepherd stout<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Was walking lazily.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He heard me speak<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And saw me hobbling after,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He turned and said<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He would give help to me.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Here is my horse<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That flies along the high-road,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Here is my horse,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The best in all the towns.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I bought him from<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A soldier in the army,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I got my horse<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By payment of five crowns.”<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When I have seen<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The Child, the King of Heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When I have seen<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The Child who is God’s son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When to the mother,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I my praise have given,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When I have finished,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">All I should have done:<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">No more shall I be lame,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Boots and saddles, boots and saddles,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">No more shall I be lame,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Boots and saddles, mount and ride.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CAROL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Villagers all, this frosty tide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let your doors swing open wide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though wind may follow, and snow beside,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet draw us in by your fire to bide;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Joy shall be yours in the morning!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here we stand in the cold and the sleet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blowing fingers and stamping feet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come from far away you to greet—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You by the fire and we in the street—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Bidding you joy in the morning!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For ere one half of the night was gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sudden a star has led us on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Raining bliss and benison—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bliss to-morrow and more anon,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Joy for every morning!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Goodman Joseph toiled through the snow—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw the star o’er a stable low;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mary she might not further go—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Welcome thatch, and litter below!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Joy was hers in the morning!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And then they heard the angels tell<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“Who were the first to cry NOWELL?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Animals all, as it befell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the stable where they did dwell!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Joy shall be theirs in the morning!”<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Kenneth Grahame</i></div> + +<p class="p2"> +<i>From “The Wind in the Willows”;<br /> +Copyright, 1908, by Charles Scribner’s Sons.<br /> +Included by permission of the publishers.</i> +</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE NEIGHBORS OF BETHLEHEM</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Good neighbor, tell me why that sound,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That noisy tumult rising round,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Awaking all in slumber lying?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Truly disturbing are these cries,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All through the quiet village flying,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O come ye shepherds, wake, arise!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">What, neighbor, then do ye not know<br /></span> +<span class="i0">God hath appeared on earth below<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now is born in manger lowly!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In humble guise he came this night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Simple and meek, this infant holy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet how divine in beauty bright.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Good neighbor, I must make amend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forthwith to bring Him will I send,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Joseph with the gentle Mother.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When to my home these three I bring,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then will it far outshine all other,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A palace fair for greatest king!<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Thirteenth Century French Carol</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CAROL OF THE RUSSIAN CHILDREN</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Snow-bound mountains, snow-bound valleys,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Snow-bound plateaus, clad in white,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fur-robed moujiks, fur-robed nobles,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fur-robed children, see the light.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shaggy pony, shaggy oxen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gentle shepherds wait the light;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Little Jesus, little Mother,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good St. Joseph, come this night.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Russian Folk Song</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<h2>SIGNS OF CHRISTMAS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When on the barn’s thatch’d roof is seen<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The moss in tufts of liveliest green;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Roger to the wood pile goes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, as he turns, his fingers blows;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When all around is cold and drear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be sure that Christmas-tide is near.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When up the garden walk in vain<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We seek for Flora’s lovely train;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the sweet hawthorn bower is bare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And bleak and cheerless is the air;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When all seems desolate around,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Christmas advances o’er the ground.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When Tom at eve comes home from plough,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And brings the mistletoe’s green bough,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With milk-white berries spotted o’er,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And shakes it the sly maids before,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then hangs the trophy up on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be sure that Christmas-tide is nigh.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When Hal, the woodman, in his clogs,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bears home the huge unwieldy logs,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That, hissing on the smouldering fire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flame out at last a quiv’ring spire;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When in his hat the holly stands,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Old Christmas musters up his bands.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When cluster’d round the fire at night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Old William talks of ghost and sprite,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, as a distant out-house gate<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slams by the wind, they fearful wait,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While some each shadowy nook explore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then Christmas pauses at the door.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When Dick comes shiv’ring from the yard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And says the pond is frozen hard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While from his hat, all white with snow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The moisture, trickling, drops below,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While carols sound, the night to cheer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then Christmas and his train are here.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Edwin Lees</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<h2>A CHRISTMAS HYMN</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Once in royal David’s city<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Stood a lowly cattle-shed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where a mother laid her Baby,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In a manger for His bed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mary was that mother mild,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Jesus Christ her little Child.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He came down to earth from heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Who is God and Lord of all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And His shelter was a stable,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And His cradle was a stall.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the poor, and mean, and lowly<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lived on earth our Saviour holy.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And through all His wondrous childhood,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He would honour and obey.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Love and watch the lowly mother<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In whose gentle arms He lay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Christian children, all must be<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mild, obedient, good as He.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For He is our childhood’s Pattern,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Day by day like us He grew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He was little, weak, and helpless,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Tears and smiles like us He knew:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And He feeleth for our sadness,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And He shareth in our gladness.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And our eyes at last shall see Him,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through His own redeeming love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For that Child so dear and gentle<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is our Lord in Heaven above;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And He leads His children on<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the place where He is gone.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Not in that poor lowly stable,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With the oxen standing by,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We shall see Him; but in Heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Set at God’s right hand on high;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When like stars His children crowned,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All in white shall wait around.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>C. Frances Alexander</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHRISTMAS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">All seated on the ground,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The angel of the Lord came down,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And glory shone around.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Fear not,” said he (for mighty dread<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Had seized their troubled mind);<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“Glad tidings of great joy I bring<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To you and all mankind.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“To you, in David’s town, this day<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is born of David’s line<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Saviour who is Christ the Lord;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And this shall be the sign:<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“The heavenly Babe you there shall find<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To human view display’d,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And in a manger laid.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Appear’d a shining throng<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of angels, praising God, and thus<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Address’d their joyful song:<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“All glory be to God on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And to the earth be peace;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good-will henceforth from heaven to men<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Begin, and never cease!”<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Nahum Tate</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE STORY OF THE SHEPHERD</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">It was the very noon of night: the stars above the fold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">More sure than clock or chiming bell, the hour of midnight told:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When from the heav’ns there came a voice, and forms were seen to shine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still bright’ning as the music rose with light and love divine.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With love divine, the song began; there shone a light serene:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O ne’er could nightingale at dawn salute the rising day<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With sweetness like that bird of song in his immortal lay:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O ne’er were woodnotes heard at eve by banks with poplar shade<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So thrilling as the concert sweet by heav’nly harpings made;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For love divine was in each chord, and filled each pause between:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I roused me at the piercing strain, but shrunk as from the ray<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of summer lightning: all around so bright the splendour lay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For oh, it mastered sight and sense, to see that glory shine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To hear that minstrel in the clouds, who sang of Love Divine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To see that form with bird-like wings, of more than mortal mien:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When once the rapturous trance was past, that so my sense could bind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I left my sheep to Him whose care breathed in the western wind:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I left them, for instead of snow, I trod on blade and flower,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ice dissolved in starry rays at morning’s gracious hour,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Revealing where on earth the steps of Love Divine had been:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen?<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I hasted to a low-roofed shed, for so the Angel bade;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And bowed before the lowly rack where Love Divine was laid:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A new-born Babe, like tender Lamb, with Lion’s strength there smiled;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Lion’s strength immortal might, was in that new-born Child;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That Love Divine in child-like form had God for ever been:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O, who hath heard what I have heard, or seen what I have seen?<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Translated from the Spanish</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<h2>A CHRISTMAS CAROL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When Christ was born in Bethlehem,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">’Twas night but seemed the noon of day:<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The star whose light<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Was pure and bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shone with unwav’ring ray;<br /></span> +<span class="i4">But one bright star,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">One glorious star<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Guided the Eastern Magi from afar.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then peace was spread throughout the land;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The lion fed beside the lamb;<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And with the kid,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To pastures led,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The spotted leopard fed<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In peace, in peace<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The calf and bear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wolf and lamb reposed together there.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As shepherds watched their flocks by night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An angel brighter than the sun<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Appeared in air,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And gently said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“Fear not, be not afraid,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Behold, behold,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Beneath your eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Earth has become a smiling Paradise.”<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Translated from the Neapolitan</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE GOLDEN CAROL<br /> +(<i>Of Melchior, Balthazar, and Caspar, the Three Kings</i>)</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We saw the light shine out a-far,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On Christmas in the morning.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And straight we knew Christ’s Star it was,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bright beaming in the morning.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then did we fall on bended knee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On Christmas in the morning,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And prais’d the Lord, who’d let us see<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His glory at its dawning.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Oh! every thought be of His Name,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On Christmas in the morning,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who bore for us both grief and shame,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Afflictions sharpest scorning.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And may we die (when death shall come),<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On Christmas in the morning,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And see in heav’n, our glorious home,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The Star of Christmas morning.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Old Carol</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHRISTMAS EVE</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In holly hedges starving birds<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Silently mourn the setting year;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upright like silver-plated swords<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The flags stand in the frozen mere.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The mistletoe we still adore<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Upon the twisted hawthorn grows:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In antique gardens hellebore<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Puts forth its blushing Christmas rose.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Shrivell’d and purple, cheek by jowl,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The hips and haws hang drearily;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Roll’d in a ball the sulky owl<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Creeps far into his hollow tree.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In abbeys and cathedrals dim<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The birth of Christ is acted o’er;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The kings of Cologne worship him,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Balthazar, Jasper, Melchior.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The shepherds in the field at night<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Beheld an angel glory-clad.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And shrank away with sore afright.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">“Be not afraid,” the angel bade.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“I bring good news to king and clown,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">To you here crouching on the sward;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For there is born in David’s town<br /></span> +<span class="i4">A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Behold the babe is swathed, and laid<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Within a manger.” Straight there stood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beside the angel all arrayed<br /></span> +<span class="i4">A heavenly multitude.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Glory to God,” they sang; “and peace,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Good pleasure among men.”<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wondrous message of release!<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Glory to God again!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hush! Hark! the waits, far up the street!<br /></span> +<span class="i4">A distant, ghostly charm unfolds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of magic music wild and sweet,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Anemones and clarigolds.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>John Davidson</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>From “Fleet Street Eclogues.” Included by permission of +Dodd, Mead and Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CAROL OF THE BIRDS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Whence comes this rush of wings afar.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Following straight the Noël star?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Birds from the woods in wondrous flight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bethlehem seek this Holy Night.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Tell us, ye birds, why come ye here.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Into this stable, poor and drear?”<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“Hast’ning we seek the new-born King,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all our sweetest music bring.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hark how the green-finch bears his part,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Philomel, too, with tender heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Chants from her leafy dark retreat<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Re, mi, fa, sol, in accents sweet.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Angels and shepherds, birds of the sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come where the Son of God doth lie;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Christ on the earth with man doth dwell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Join in the shout, Noël, Noël.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Bas-Quercy</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE SHEPHERDS HAD AN ANGEL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The shepherds had an angel,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The wise men had a star;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what have I, a little child,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To guide me home from far,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where glad stars sing together,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And singing angels are?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lord Jesus is my Guardian,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So I can nothing lack;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The lambs lie in His bosom<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Along life’s dangerous track:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wilful lambs that go astray<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He, bleeding, brings them back.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Those shepherds thro’ the lonely night<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sat watching by their sheep,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Until they saw the heav’nly host<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Who neither tire nor sleep,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All singing Glory, glory,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In festival they keep.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Christ watches me, His little lamb,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Cares for me day and night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That I may be His own in heav’n;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So angels clad in white<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall sing their Glory, glory,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For my sake in the height.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lord, bring me nearer day by day,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Till I my voice unite,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And sing my Glory, glory,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With angels clad in white.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All Glory, glory, giv’n to Thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thro’ all the heav’nly height.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Christina G. Rossetti</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + +<h2>SONG OF A SHEPHERD BOY AT BETHLEHEM</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Rest Thee now.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though these hands be rough from shearing<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And the plow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet they shall not ever fail Thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the waiting nations hail Thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bringing palms unto their King.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Now—I sing.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Hope divine.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If Thou wilt but smile upon me,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">I will twine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blossoms for Thy garlanding.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou’rt so little to be King,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">God’s Desire!<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Not a brier<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall be left to grieve Thy brow;<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Rest Thee now.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Some fair day<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wilt Thou, as Thou wert a brother,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Come away<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over hills and over hollow?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the lambs will up and follow.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Follow but for love of Thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Lov’st Thou me?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sleep, Thou little Child of Mary,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Rest Thee now.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I that watch am come from sheep-stead<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And from plough.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou wilt have disdain of me<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Thou’rt lifted, royally,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Very high for all to see:<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Smilest Thou?<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Josephine Preston Peabody</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of the author.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE LEAST OF CAROLS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Loveliest dawn of gold and rose<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Steals across undrifted snows;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In brown, rustling oak leaves stir<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Squirrel, nuthatch, woodpecker;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brief their matins, but, by noon,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the sunny wood’s a-tune:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Jays, forgetting their harsh cries,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pipe a spring note, clear and true;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wheel on angel wings of blue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trumpeters of Paradise;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the tiniest feathered thing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All a-flutter, tail and wing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gives himself to caroling:<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Chick-a-dee-dee, chick-a-dee!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Jesulino, hail to thee!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lowliest baby born to-day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pillowed on a wisp of hay;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">King no less of sky and earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i12">And singing sea;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Jesu! Jesu! most and least!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the sweetness of thy birth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every little bird and beast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wind and wave and forest tree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Praises God exceedingly,<br /></span> +<span class="i24">Exceedingly.”<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Sophie Jewett</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>From “The Poems of Sophie Jewett.” Included by permission of the +Thomas Y. Crowell Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<h2>NATIVITY SONG</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The beautiful mother is bending<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Low where her baby lies,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Helpless and frail, for her tending;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But she knows the glorious eyes.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The mother smiles and rejoices<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While the baby laughs in the hay;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She listens to heavenly voices:<br /></span> +<span class="i2">“The child shall be king, one day.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O dear little Christ in the manger,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Let me make merry with thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O King, in my hour of danger,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Wilt thou be strong for me?<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"> +<div class="ilb center"> +<i>Adapted from the Latin of Jacopone da Todi<br /> +by Sophie Jewett</i> +</div></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>From “The Poems of Sophie Jewett.” Included by permission of the +Thomas Y. Crowell Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE CHRISTMAS SILENCE</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hushed are the pigeons cooing low,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On dusty rafters of the loft;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And mild-eyed oxen, breathing soft,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sleep on the fragrant hay below.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Dim shadows in the corner hide;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The glimmering lantern’s rays are shed<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Where one young lamb just lifts his head,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then huddles ’gainst his mother’s side.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Strange silence tingles in the air;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through the half-open door a bar<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of light from one low hanging star<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Touches a baby’s radiant hair—<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">No sound—the mother, kneeling, lays<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Her cheek against the little face.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Oh human love! Oh heavenly grace!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">’Tis yet in silence that she prays!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ages of silence end to-night;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Then to the long-expectant earth<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Glad angels come to greet His birth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In burst of music, love, and light!<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Margaret Deland</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of the author.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<h2>BRING A TORCH, JEANETTE, ISABELLA!</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bring a torch, to the cradle run!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It is Jesus, good folk of the village;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Christ is born, and Mary’s calling;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ah! Ah! beautiful is the mother;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ah! Ah! beautiful is her son.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">It is wrong when the Child is sleeping,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It is wrong to talk so loud;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Silence, all, as you gather around,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lest your noise should waken Jesus:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hush! Hush! see how fast He slumbers;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hush! Hush! see how fast He sleeps.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Who goes there a-knocking so loudly?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who goes there a-knocking like that?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ope your doors, I have here on a plate<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some very good cakes which I am bringing:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Toc! Toc! quickly your doors now open;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Toc! Toc! come let us make good cheer.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Softly to the little stable,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Softly for a moment come;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Look and see how charming is Jesus,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How He is white, His cheeks are rosy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hush! Hush! see how the Child is sleeping;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hush! Hush! see how He smiles in dreams.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Provençal Noël of Nicholas Saboly</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHRISTMAS FOLKSONG</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The little Jesus came to town;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wind blew up, the wind blew down;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Out in the street the wind was bold.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now who would house Him from the cold?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then opened wide a stable door<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fain were the rushes on the floor;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Ox put forth a horned head:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“Come, little Lord, here make Thy bed.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Uprose the Sheep were folded near:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“Thou Lamb of God, come, enter here.”<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He entered there to rush and reed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who was the Lamb of God indeed.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The little Jesus came to town;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With ox and sheep He laid Him down.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Peace to the byre, peace to the fold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For that they housed Him from the cold.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Lisette Woodworth Reese</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of Thomas B. Mosher.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + +<h2>AS JOSEPH WAS A-WALKING</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As Joseph was a-walking<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He heard an angel sing:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“This night there shall be born<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Our heavenly King.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“He neither shall be born<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In housen, nor in hall,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor in the place of Paradise,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But in an ox’s stall.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“He neither shall be clothéd<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In purple nor in pall;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But in the fair, white linen,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That usen babies all.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“He neither shall be rockéd<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In silver nor in gold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But in a wooden cradle<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That rocks on the mould.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“He neither shall be christened<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In white wine nor in red,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But with fair spring water<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With which we were christenéd.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Mary took her baby,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">She dressed Him so sweet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She laid Him in a manger,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">All there for to sleep.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As she stood over Him<br /></span> +<span class="i2">She heard angels sing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“O bless our dear Saviour,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Our heavenly King.”<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>From the Cherry Tree Carol</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CRADLE HYMN</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Martin Luther</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<h2>A CHRISTMAS CAROL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In the bleak mid-winter<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Frosty wind made moan,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Earth stood hard as iron,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Water like a stone;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Snow had fallen, snow on snow,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Snow on snow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the bleak mid-winter<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Long ago.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Nor earth sustain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Heaven and earth shall flee away<br /></span> +<span class="i4">When He comes to reign.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the bleak mid-winter<br /></span> +<span class="i4">A stable-place sufficed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lord God Almighty<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Jesus Christ.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Angels and archangels<br /></span> +<span class="i4">May have gathered there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cherubim and seraphim<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Thronged the air;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But only His Mother<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In her maiden bliss<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Worshipped her Beloved<br /></span> +<span class="i4">With a kiss.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">What can I give Him,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Poor as I am?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If I were a shepherd<br /></span> +<span class="i4">I would bring a lamb,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If I were a Wise Man,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">I would do my part,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet what I can I give Him,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Give my heart.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Christina G. Rossetti</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CAROL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When the herds were watching<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In the midnight chill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came a spotless lambkin<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From the heavenly hill.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Snow was on the mountains,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the wind was cold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When from God’s own garden<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Dropped a rose of gold.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When ’twas bitter winter,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Houseless and forlorn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In a star-lit stable<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Christ the Babe was born.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Welcome, heavenly lambkin;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Welcome, golden rose;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alleluia, Baby,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In the swaddling clothes!<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>William Canton</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<h2>A CHILD’S PRESENT TO HIS CHILD-SAVIOUR</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Go, pretty child, and bear this flower<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unto thy little Saviour;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And tell Him, by that bud now blown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He is the Rose of Sharon known.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When thou hast said so, stick it there<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon His bib, or stomacher;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And tell Him, for good handsel<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> too,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That thou hast brought a whistle new,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Made of a clean straight oaten reed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To charm his cries at time of need.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tell Him, for coral thou hast none,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But if thou hadst, He should have one;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But poor thou art, and known to be<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even as moneyless as He.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lastly, if thou canst win a kiss<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From those mellifluous lips of His,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then never take a second on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To spoil the first impression.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Robert Herrick</i></div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> handsel: a gift for good luck.</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p></div> + +<h2>A CHRISTMAS CAROL</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">There’s a song in the air!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There’s a star in the sky!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There’s a mother’s deep prayer<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a baby’s low cry!<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And the star rains its fire while the Beautiful sing,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">There’s a tumult of joy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O’er the wonderful birth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the virgin’s sweet boy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is the Lord of the earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Ay! the star rains its fire and the Beautiful sing,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In the light of that star<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lie the ages impearled;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And that song from afar<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Has swept over the world.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Every hearth is aflame, and the Beautiful sing<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We rejoice in the light,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And we echo the song<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That comes down through the night<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the heavenly throng.<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">And we greet in His cradle our Saviour and King.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Josiah Gilbert Holland</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE SHEPHERD WHO STAYED</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<i><span class="i4">There are in Paradise<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Souls neither great nor wise,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Yet souls who wear no less<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The crown of faithfulness.<br /></span></i> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My master bade me watch the flock by night;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My duty was to stay. I do not know<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What thing my comrades saw in that great light,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I did not heed the words that bade them go,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know not were they maddened or afraid;<br /></span> +<span class="i4">I only know I stayed.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The hillside seemed on fire; I felt the sweep<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of wings above my head; I ran to see<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If any danger threatened these my sheep.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What though I found them folded quietly,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What though my brother wept and plucked my sleeve,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">They were not mine to leave.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thieves in the wood and wolves upon the hill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My duty was to stay. Strange though it be,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I had no thought to hold my mates, no will<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To bid them wait and keep the watch with me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I had not heard that summons they obeyed;<br /></span> +<span class="i4">I only know I stayed.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Perchance they will return upon the dawn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With word of Bethlehem and why they went.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I only know that watching here alone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I know a strange content.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have not failed that trust upon me laid;<br /></span> +<span class="i4">I ask no more—I stayed.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Theodosia Garrison</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of the author and of The Century Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<h2>GOOD KING WENCESLAS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Good King Wenceslas looked out<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On the Feast of Stephen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the snow lay round about,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Deep, and crisp, and even.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Brightly shone the moon that night<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Though the frost was cruel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When a poor man came in sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Gath’ring winter fuel.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Hither, page, and stand by me,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">If thou know’st it, telling.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yonder peasant, who is he?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Where and what his dwelling?”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Sire, he lives a good league hence,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Underneath the mountain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Right against the forest fence,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Bring me pine-logs hither;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou and I shall see him dine,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When we bear them thither.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Page and monarch, forth they went,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Forth they went together;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the rude wind’s wild lament<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the bitter weather.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Sire, the night is darker now,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the wind blows stronger;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fails my heart, I know not how,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I can go no longer.”<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“Mark my footsteps, good my page;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Tread thou in them boldly:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou shalt find the winter rage<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Freeze thy blood less coldly.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In his master’s steps he trod,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Where the snow lay dinted;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Heat was in the very sod<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Where the saint has printed.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Therefore, Christian men, be sure,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Wealth or rank possessing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ye who now will bless the poor,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Shall yourselves find blessing.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Translated from the Latin by J. M. Neale</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<h2>WE THREE KINGS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4">We Three Kings of Orient are,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Bearing gifts we traverse afar,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Field and fountain,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Moor and mountain,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Following yonder star.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Chorus</i><br /></span> +<span class="i4">O Star of wonder, Star of night,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Star with Royal Beauty bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Westward leading.<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Still proceeding,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Guide us to Thy perfect Light.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Gaspard: Born a king on Bethlehem plain,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Gold I bring to crown Him again;<br /></span> +<span class="i6">King forever,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Ceasing never<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Over us all to reign.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Chorus: O Star of wonder....<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Melchior: Frankincense to offer have I,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Incense owns a deity nigh;<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Prayer and praising<br /></span> +<span class="i6">All men raising,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Worship Him God on high.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Chorus: O Star of wonder....<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Balthazar: Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Breathes a life of gathering gloom;<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Sorrowing, sighing,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Bleeding, dying,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">Sealed in a stone-cold tomb.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Chorus: O Star of wonder....<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4">Glorious now behold Him arise,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">King and God, and Sacrifice;<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Heav’n sings Allelujah:<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Allelujah,<br /></span> +<span class="i4">The earth replies.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>J. H. Hopkins, Jr.</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> + +<h2>GOD REST YE, MERRY GENTLEMEN</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">God rest ye, merry gentlemen; let nothing you dismay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas-day.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The dawn rose red o’er Bethlehem, the stars shone through the gray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas-day.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">God rest ye, little children; let nothing you affright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Jesus Christ, your Saviour, was born this happy night;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Along the hills of Galilee the white flocks sleeping lay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Christ, the child of Nazareth, was born on Christmas-day.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">God rest ye, all good Christians; upon this blessed morn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lord of all good Christians was of a woman born:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now all your sorrows He doth heal, your sins He takes away;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas-day.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Dinah Maria Mulock</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE WASSAIL SONG</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here we come a-wassailing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Among the leaves so green,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Here we come a-wandering<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So fair to be seen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Love and joy come to you<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And to your wassail too,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And God bless you, and send you<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A happy New Year.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We are not daily beggars<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That beg from door to door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But we are neighbours’ children<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That you have seen before.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Good Master and good Mistress,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As you sit by the fire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pray think of us poor children<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Who are wandering in the mire.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Bring us out a table<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And spread it with a cloth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bring us out a mouldy cheese<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And some of your Christmas loaf.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">God bless the master of this house,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Likewise the mistress too;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the little children<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That round the table go.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Old Devonshire Carol</i></div> + +<p class="p2"><i>Included by permission of The H. W. Gray Company.</i></p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> + +<h2>WASSAILER’S SONG</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wassail! Wassail! all over the town,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our bread it is white, our ale it is brown;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our bowl is made of a maplin tree;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We be good fellows all;—I drink to thee.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here’s to our horse, and to his right ear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">God send master a happy new year;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A happy new year as ever he did see,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With my wassail bowl I drink to thee.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here’s to our mare, and to her right eye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">God send our mistress a good Christmas pie;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A good Christmas pie as e’er I did see,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With my wassailing bowl I drink to thee.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here’s to our cow, and to her long tail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">God send our master us never may fail<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of a cup of good beer: I pray you draw near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And our jolly wassail it’s then you shall hear.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Be here any maids? I suppose here be some;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sure they will not let young men stand on the cold stone!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sing hey, O, maids! come trole back the pin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the fairest maid in the house let us all in.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Come, butler, come, bring us a bowl of the best;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hope your souls in heaven will rest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But if you do bring us a bowl of the small,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, down fall butler, and bowl and all.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Robert Southwell</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CAROL IN PRAISE OF THE HOLLY AND IVY<br /> +(<i>Holly and Ivy Made a Great Party</i>)</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Holly and Ivy made a great party,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Who should have the mastery<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In lands where they go.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then spake Holly, “I am fierce and jolly,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will have the mastery<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In lands where we go.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then spake Ivy, “I am loud and proud,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I will have the mastery<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In lands where we go.”<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then spake Holly, and bent him down on his knee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">“I pray thee, gentle Ivy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Essay me no villany<br /></span> +<span class="i4">In the lands where we go.”<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Fifteenth Century Carol</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Come, bring with a noise,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My merry, merry boys,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Christmas log to the firing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While my good dame, she<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Bids ye all be free,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And drink to your heart’s desiring.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">With the last year’s brand<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Light the new block, and<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For good success in his spending,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On your psalteries play,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That sweet luck may<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come while the log is a-tending.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Drink now the strong beer,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Cut the white loaf here,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The while the meat is a-shredding;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For the rare mince-pie<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the plums stand by<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To fill the paste that’s a-kneading.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Robert Herrick</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHRISTMAS EVE—ANOTHER CEREMONY</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Come, guard this night the Christmas-pie,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That the thief, though ne’er so sly,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his flesh-hooks, don’t come nigh<br /></span> +<span class="i20">To catch it.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From him, who alone sits there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Having his eyes still in his ear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a deal of nightly fear<br /></span> +<span class="i20">To watch it.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h2>ANOTHER TO THE MAIDS</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wash your hands, or else the fire<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Will not tend to your desire;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unwashed hands, ye maidens, know,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dead the fire, though ye blow.<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>Robert Herrick</i></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<h2>OUR JOYFUL FEAST</h2> + +<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So, now is come our joyful feast,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Let every soul be jolly!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each room with ivy leaves is drest,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And every post with holly.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though some churls at our mirth repine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Round your brows let garlands twine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And let us all be merry!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Now all our neighbours’ chimneys smoke,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And Christmas logs are burning;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their ovens with baked meats do choke,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And all their spits are turning.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without the door let sorrow lie,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And if for cold it hap to die,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We’ll bury it in Christmas pie,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And evermore be merry!<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<div class="author"><i>George Wither</i></div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44524 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/44524-h/images/titlepage.jpg b/44524-h/images/titlepage.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 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