The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar/Christmas Carol
For works with similar titles, see Christmas Carol.
Christmas Carol
Ring out, ye bells! All Nature swellsWith gladness at the wondrous story,— The world was lorn, But Christ is bornTo change our sadness into glory.
Sing, earthlings, sing! To-night a KingHath come from heaven's high throne to bless us. The outstretched hand O'er all the landIs raised in pity to caress us.
Come at His call; Be joyful all;Away with mourning and with sadness! The heavenly choir With holy fireTheir voices raise in songs of gladness.
The darkness breaks And Dawn awakes,Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes. The rocks and stones In holy tonesAre singing sweeter than the thrushes.
Then why should we In silence be,
When Nature lends her voice to praises; When heaven and earth Proclaim the truthOf Him for whom that lone star blazes?
No, be not still, But with a willStrike all your harps and set them ringing; On hill and heath Let every breathThrow all its power into singing!