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if we had known.
Empty cradles, too, sadly attest
How the Spoiler has rifled the nest
Of the infant cherub, who was the pride
Of the mother who weeps by the cradle side.
Fathers, too, sigh o'er the broken toys
Of the lost darlings who formed their joys—
Child angels who dwell in a fairer clime,
Where it is always glad Christmas-time.
May all sad hearts from heaven receive
Its blessing of peace this Christmas Eve;
And the Christmas Bells, as they peal once more,
Ring Peace and Goodwill the wide world o'er.
How the Spoiler has rifled the nest
Of the infant cherub, who was the pride
Of the mother who weeps by the cradle side.
Fathers, too, sigh o'er the broken toys
Of the lost darlings who formed their joys—
Child angels who dwell in a fairer clime,
Where it is always glad Christmas-time.
May all sad hearts from heaven receive
Its blessing of peace this Christmas Eve;
And the Christmas Bells, as they peal once more,
Ring Peace and Goodwill the wide world o'er.
If We Had Known.
If we had known how soon death's hand would sever
The silver cord, we had not left unsaid
The loving words that we can never, never
Say now unto the dead.
The silver cord, we had not left unsaid
The loving words that we can never, never
Say now unto the dead.
If we had known in that sad hour of parting
Our lips and hands would never meet again,
Our farewell words to the dear one departing
Had been in tenderer strain.
Our lips and hands would never meet again,
Our farewell words to the dear one departing
Had been in tenderer strain.
If we had known how fast they were approaching
The "silent gate" which each must pass alone,
We should not now, with bitter self-reproaching,
Say, "Would that we had known."
The "silent gate" which each must pass alone,
We should not now, with bitter self-reproaching,
Say, "Would that we had known."
