CHRISTMAS EVE
Reading edition
On Christmas Eve the brute Creation Lift up their heads and speak with human voices; The Ox roars out his song of jubilation And the Ass rejoices. They dance for mirth in simple credence That man from devildom this day was saved, That of his froward spirit he has found riddance; They hymn the Son of David. Ox and Ass cloistered in stable, Break bounds to-night and see what shall astound you, A second Fall, a second death of Abel, Wars renewed around you. Cabals of great men against small men, Mobs, murders, informations, the packed jury, While Ignorance, the lubber prince of all men, Glowers with old-time fury. Excellent beasts, resign your speaking, Tempted in man’s own choleric tongue to name him. Hoof-and-horn vengeance have no thought of wreaking, Let your dumb grief shame him.