Christmas Bells.
Reading edition
Ring out, O bells, in joyful chime! Again we hail the Christmas time; In melting, mellow atmosphere, The crown and glory of the year. When bitterness, distrust, and awe Dissolve, like ice in winter's thaw, Beneath the genial touches of Amenity, good will, and love. When flowers of affection grow, Like edelweiss mid alpine snow, In lives severe and beautiless, Unused to warmth or tenderness. Let goodness, grace, and gratitude Revive in music's interlude, And pæan notes, till time shall cease, Proclaim the blessed reign of peace. Ring, Christmas bells! for at the sound Sweet memories of Him abound Who laid aside a diadem To be the babe of Bethlehem.
By the Sea.
I am longing to dwell by the sea, And dip in the surf every day, And—height of subaqueous glee— With the sharks and the porpoises play. To novelty ever inclined— Instead of a calm evening sail, 'Twould suit my adventurous mind To ride on the back of a whale. I want to disport on the rocks Like a mythical mermaiden belle, And comb out my watery locks, Then dive to my cavernous cell. I want to discover what lends Such terror to all timid folks— That serpent whose mystery tends To make one believe it a hoax. They say he's been captured at last; The news is too good to be true— He's slippery, cunning, and fast, And likes notoriety too.
Once had I such longings to be A sailor—those wishes are o'er, But ever in dreams of the sea My horoscope rests on the shore. Oh, give me a home by the sea— A cottage, a cabin, a tent! Existence should ecstasy be Till summer were joyfully spent.