Men grown hard on a Christmas morn;
The dumb beast by and a babe forlorn.
It was very, very cold when our Lord was born.
And the small child Jesus smile on you.
IV
Now these were Jews as Jews may be
(The bells ring merry and the bells ring free). But Christian men in a band are we (Carillon, Carilla). Empty we go, and ill be-dight, Singing Noel on a Winter's night. Give us to sup by the warm firelight, And the small child Jesus smile on you.
AFTER A RETREAT By Robert Hugh Benson
What hast thou learnt to-day? Hast thou sounded awful mysteries, Hast pierced the veiléd skies, Climbed to the feet of God, Trodden where saints have trod, Fathomed the heights above? Nay, This only have I learnt, that God is love.
What hast thou heard to-day?
Hast heard the Angel-trumpets cry,
And rippling harps reply;
Heard from the Throne of flame
