YULE-TIDE FIRES
Reading edition
Cleanse with the burning log of oak The canker of thy care, Deck with the scarlet-berried bough The temple of the fair; Spread pure-white linen for a feast, Perchance some guest may share. Give forth thy gold and silver coins, For they were lent to thee; Put out to usury thy dross, One talent gaineth three. Perchance the hungered and the poor May pray to God for thee. Once a pale star rose in the East For watching herds to see, And weakness came to Bethlehem, And strength to Galilee. Perchance! if thou dost keep thy tryst A star may rise for thee.
Anonymous