Volume 2 — A CHRISTMAS CAROL. BY AUBREY DE VERE.
Reading edition
Primeval night had repossess'd Her empire in the fields of peace; Calm lay the kine on earth's dark breast; The earth lay calm in heaven's embrace. That hour, where shepherds kept their flocks, From God a glory sudden fell; The splendor smote the trees and rocks. And lay like dew along the dell. God's angel close beside them stood: "Fear naught," that angel said, and then, "Behold, I bring you tidings good: The Saviour Christ is born to men." And straightway round him myriads sang Loud song again, and yet again, Till all the hollow valley rang "Glory to God, and peace to men." The shepherds went and wondering eyed, In Bethlehem born, the heavenly stranger. Mary and Joseph knelt beside: The Babe was cradled in the manger!
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