The Christmas Almsman

It was a Christmas almsman Came to a palace door; The flambeaux flared, the music blared, And gleamed the waxen floor. “Out on thee, for a vagrant!” A pompous porter cried; Quick, get thee gone ere goads be drawn To scourge thy tattered hide!” The mirth roared to the rafter, With plenty groaned the board, Yet naught they gave that almsman gaunt Save flaunting fleer and ribald taunt, Despite his bare and bitter want, From all their Yule-tide hoard! It was a Christmas almsman Unto a hovel came; The walls so grim were drear and dim With one pale candle flame. Yet spake the kindly hoveler Who saw the beggar’s face: “You’re welcome here, though lean our cheer; Enter, and bide a space!” He shambled in; he crouched him down; He ate their meagre fare; And lo, they found, when he had sped, A scrip of gold and jewels red! The hoveler had housed and fed An angel unaware!