A HOPE CAROL.

A NIGHT was near, a day was near ;

Between a day and night

I heard sweet voices calling clear,

Calling me:

I heard a whirr of wing on wing,
But could not see the sight;

I long to see my birds that sing,—
I long to see.

Below the stars, beyond the moon,
Between the night and day,

I heard a rising falling tune

Calling me :

I long to see the pipes and strings
Whereon such minstrels play;

I long to see each face that sings,

I long to see.

To-day or may be not to-day,
To-night or not to-night;
All voices that command or pray,
Calling me,

Shall kindle in my soul such fire,
And in my eyes such light,

That I shall see that heart's desire

I long to see.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS.

I.

WHOSO hears a chiming for Christmas at the

nighest,

Hears a sound like Angels chanting in their glee, Hears a sound like palm-boughs waving in the highest, Hears a sound like ripple of a crystal sea.

Sweeter than a prayer-bell for a saint in dying,
Sweeter than a death-bell for a saint at rest,

Music struck in Heaven with earth's faint replying,
"Life is good, and death is good, for Christ is Best."

2.

A holy, heavenly chime
Rings fulness in of time,
And on His Mother's breast

Our Lord God ever-Blest

Is laid a Babe at rest.

Thrilled through with awestruck love,

Meek Angels poised above,

To see their God look down.

66 How comes He soft and weak

With such a tender cheek,

With such a soft, small hand?
The very Hand which spann'd

Heaven when its girth was plann'd.

"How comes He with a voice Which is but baby-noise?

That Voice which spake with might:

'Let there be light!' and light

Sprang out before our sight.

"What need hath He of flesh

Made flawless now afresh?

What need of human heart?

Heart that must bleed and smart,

Choosing the better part.

"But see: His gracious smile Dismisses us a while

To serve Him in His kin.

Haste we, make haste, begin
To fetch His brethren in."

Like stars they flash and shoot,
The Shepherds they salute.
"Glory to God" they sing ;
"Good news of peace we bring,

For Christ is born a King."