STANZAS FOR THE SEASON.
Once again, once again,
Christmas wreaths are twining;
Once again, once again,
Mistletoe is shining.
Christmas wreaths are twining;
Once again, once again,
Mistletoe is shining.
Time is marching through the land,
Deck'd with leaf and berry;
He leads the Old Year in his hand,
But both the churls are merry.
Deck'd with leaf and berry;
He leads the Old Year in his hand,
But both the churls are merry.
He speaketh in the clanging bells,
He shouts at every portal;
GOD speed the tidings that he tells,—
"Goodwill and peace to mortal."
He shouts at every portal;
GOD speed the tidings that he tells,—
"Goodwill and peace to mortal."
Gladly welcome shall he be,
Even though he traces
Silver threads upon our heads
And wrinkles on our faces.
Even though he traces
Silver threads upon our heads
And wrinkles on our faces.
For once again, once again,
He brings the happy meeting;
When cynic lips may preach in vain
That life is sad and fleeting.
He brings the happy meeting;
When cynic lips may preach in vain
That life is sad and fleeting.
Christmas logs should beacon back
The wanderer from his roving;
Leave, oh leave the world's wide track,
And join the loved and loving.
The wanderer from his roving;
Leave, oh leave the world's wide track,
And join the loved and loving.
Spirits that have dwelt apart,
Cold with pride and folly;
Bring olive in your hand and heart,
To weave with Christmas holly.
Cold with pride and folly;
Bring olive in your hand and heart,
To weave with Christmas holly.
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