DECEMBER

I


Oh! holly branch and mistletoe.
   And Christmas chimes where'er we go.
And stockings pinned up in a row!
   These are thy gifts, December!

II


And if the year has made thee old,
   And silvered all thy locks of gold,
Thy heart has never been a-cold
   Or known a fading ember.

III


The whole world is a Christmas tree,
   And stars its many candles be.
Oh! sing a carol joyfully
   The year's great feast in keeping!


IV


For once, on a December night
   An angel held a candle bright.
And led three wise men by its light
   To where a child was sleeping.