CHRISTMAS MORN.

Dear, happy Christmas! once again We joy to welcome thee, With all thy glad surroundings, grouped For world-wide jubilee.

We'll crown thy peace-illumined brow With holly burnished bright, Entwined with glowing crimson buds, And mystic berries white.

Then the sly bough of mistletoe We must not, cannot miss, For, privileged beneath its shade, We hope for many a kiss.

Kisses of joy from those we love, Kisses of pardon, too, That chase all anger from the heart, And feelings seared renew.

E'en as the song of peace on earth Flows lovingly from heaven, Should men forgive their foes, as they Expect to be forgiven—

Burying all painful bygones deep, Far out of thought and sight, Sweet peace possessing, reconciled, In new love-bonds unite.

And round the merry Christmas board Pledges of good-will give, That they can, once a year, at least, Old grudges quite forgive.

And let the poor, the blind, the maimed Be kindly feted, too; In blessing others all are bathed In blessings rich and new.

Thus, peace-proclaiming, loving friend, Time-honoured Christmas dear, Thou wilt, indeed, have well fulfilled Thy love-fraught mission here.