YULETIDE

By Alice Furlong

In a stable bare,

Lo, the great Ones are.

Strew the Ivy and the Myrtle

Round about the Virgin’s kirtle!

Ass and oxen mild

Breathe soft upon the Child!

Blow the scent of bygone summer

On your breath to the New-comer!

Be ye well content

To be straitly pent

Backwards in the rocky chamber

From the angel’s wings of amber!

Rapt the seraphs sit,

With godly faces lit

In a radiance shining solely

From the Christ-child, meek and holy.

High they chant and clear

Of the lovely cheer

Ring down the new evangels

Of the mystic, midnight angels.

Faring with good will

From the misty hill,

Every shepherd sacrificeth

To the prophet that ariseth.

Joseph, Mary’s spouse,

Prince of David’s House,

Bendeth low in adorations

To the Ruler of the Nations.

Who doth sweetly rest

On his Mother’s breast,

Lord of the lightnings and the thunders!

Mary’s heart keeps all these wonders.