A CHRISTMAS SONNET
I wake at midnight from a slumber deep. Hark! are the clear stars singing? Sweet and low, As from far skies, floats music’s liquid flow, Waking earth’s happy children from their sleep. Now, from the bells a myriad voices leap, And all the brazen lilies are aglow With rapturous heart-beats, swinging to and fro As the glad chimes their rhythmic pulsing keep. O soul of mine, join thou the high refrain That rings from shore to shore, from sea to sea, Like song of birds that do but soar and sing! O heart of mine, what room hast thou for pain? With love and joy make holy symphony, And keep to-day the birthday of thy King!