A CHRISTMAS SONNET
I wake at midnight from a slumber deep.
Hark! are the clear stars singing? Sweet and low,
As from far skies, floats music's liquid flow,
Waking earth's happy children from their sleep.
Now, from the bells a myriad voices leap,
And all the brazen lilies are aglow
With rapturous heart-beats, swinging to and fro
As the glad chimes their rhythmic pulsing keep.
O soul of mine, join thou the high refrain
That rings from shore to shore, from sea to sea,
Like song of birds that do but soar and sing!
O heart of mine, what room hast thou for pain?
With love and joy make holy symphony,
And keep to-day the birthday of thy King!
Hark! are the clear stars singing? Sweet and low,
As from far skies, floats music's liquid flow,
Waking earth's happy children from their sleep.
Now, from the bells a myriad voices leap,
And all the brazen lilies are aglow
With rapturous heart-beats, swinging to and fro
As the glad chimes their rhythmic pulsing keep.
O soul of mine, join thou the high refrain
That rings from shore to shore, from sea to sea,
Like song of birds that do but soar and sing!
O heart of mine, what room hast thou for pain?
With love and joy make holy symphony,
And keep to-day the birthday of thy King!