Page:Complete Works of Lewis Carroll.djvu/35

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

CHRISTMAS-GREETINGS

[from a fairy to a child]

Lady dear, if Fairies may
   For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
   'Tis at happy Christmas-tide.

We have heard the children say—
   Gentle children, whom we love—
Long ago, on Christmas Day,
   Came a message from above.

Still, as Christmas-tide come round,
   They remember it again—
Echo still the joyful sound
   "Peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Yet the hearts must childlike be
   Where such heavenly guests abide;
Unto children, in their glee,
   All the year is Christmas-tide!

Thus, forgetting tricks and play
   For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
   Merry Christmas, glad New Year!

Christmas, 1867.

15