THE ORPHAN'S CHRISTMAS-TREE. Then, suddenly, there shone a light; Along the street, approaching nearer Another child, in garments white, Spake as he came and clearer, dearer, His voice made music in the night: "I am the Christ! have thou no fear! "My saving Word to all I bear, And equally to each 'tis given ; I bring the promise of my care Here, in the street, beneath the heaven, As well as in the chambers there. "And here, poor boy, thy Christmas-tree The Christ-child with his shining hand THE ORPHAN'S CHRISTMAS-TREE. So far and yet so near! the night How beat his bosom warm and tender, It seemed to him a happy dream; Then, from the starry branches bending, The orphan child is now at rest: No father's care he needs, nor mother's, BAYARD TAYLOR, AFTER RUECKERT. BESIDE THE SEA. I. THEY walked beside the Summer sea, 66 And "O," she said, come back to me! My love, my own, my only one!" But while he kissed her fears away The gentle waters kissed the shore, And, sadly whispering, seemed to say "He'll come no more! he'll come no more!" II. Alone beside the Autumn sea She watched the sombre death of day; And, darkly whispering on the shore, In "He'll come no more! he'll come no more!" III. peace beside the Winter sea A white grave glimmers in the moon; And shrill winds pipe a careless tune. They part no more! they part no more! WILLIAM WINTER. WHEN SPARROWS BUILD, AND THE LEAVES BREAK FORTH. 85 For I know there is dawn in the far, far north, And a scarlet sun doth rise; Like a scarlet fleece the snow-field spreads, And the icy founts run free; And the bergs begin to bow their heads, O, my lost love, and my own, own love, Is there never a chink in the world above Where they listen for words from below? And now thou wilt hear me no more no more Thou didst set thy foot on the ship, and sail Thou wert sad, for thy love did not avail, How could I tell I should love thee to-day, How could I know I should love thee away We shall walk no more through the sodden plain We shall stand no more by the seething main |