The place of the children's last retreat, To shock with mirth a street so solemn; They wrote the story on a column, That in Transylvania there's a tribe The outlandish ways and dress On which their neighbors lay such stress, Out of Hamelin town in Brunswick land, XV So, Willy, let me and you be wipers Of scores out with all men-especially pipers! THE GLAD EVANGEL A CAROL HE came all so still Where His mother was, As dew in April That falleth on the grass. He came all so still Where His mother lay, As dew in April That falleth on the spray. He came all so still To His mother's bower, As dew in April That falleth on the flower. Mother and maiden Was never none but she! Well might such a lady Unknown "GOD REST YOU, MERRY GENTLEMEN” GOD rest you, merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, To save us all from Satan's power O tidings of comfort and joy! In Bethlehem, in Jewry, This blessed babe was born, And laid within a manger, Upon this blessèd morn; The which His mother, Mary, Nothing did take in scorn. From God our Heavenly Father, Brought tidings of the same: "Fear not," then said the angel, "Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Saviour Of virtue, power, and might, So frequently to vanquish all The friends of Satan quite." The shepherds at these tidings But when to Bethlehem they came, Where oxen feed on hay, Unto the Lord did pray. Now to the Lord sing praises, And with true love and brotherhood "O Little Town of Bethlehem " O tidings of comfort and joy! Was born in Christmas Day. 197 Unknown "O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM” O LITTLE town of Bethlehem, Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! Where meek souls will receive Him still, O holy Child of Bethlehem! We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; Our Lord Emmanuel! Phillips Brooks (1835-1893] A CHRISTMAS HYMN Old Style: 1837 It was the calm and silent night! Seven hundred years and fifty-three Had Rome been growing up to might, And now was Queen of land and sea. Held undisturbed their ancient reign, 'Twas in the calm and silent night! His breast with thoughts of boundless sway; What recked the Roman what befell A paltry province far away, Within that province far away Went plodding home a weary boor: A streak of light before him lay, Fall'n through a half-shut stable door The air how calm and cold and thin, Centuries ago! |