It was the maid of Bethlehem,
In all her stainless grace,
They seized before the House of God
Within the market-place.
It was the man of Bethlehem
Who led the throng elate
That bore her out with mocking shout
Beyond the city gate.
Around her heaped they fagots high,
And touched the pile with flame;
“Behold!” they cried, “the wanton witch!
She expiates her shame!”
“O sinless One of Calvary,”
Then did they hear her say,
“Prove Thou my blameless innocence
On this, Thy natal day!”
Lo, as she spake, each fiery tongue
Leaped on her foe of foes,
The while from charred and smoking boughs
Burst rose on crimson rose!
It was the man of Bethlehem
Who died in agony;
It was the maid of Bethlehem
Who went unharmed and free.
The Christmas Almsman
It was a Christmas almsman
Came to a palace door;
The flambeaux flared, the music blared,
And gleamed the waxen floor.
“Out on thee, for a vagrant!”
A pompous porter cried;
Quick, get thee gone ere goads be drawn
To scourge thy tattered hide!”
The mirth roared to the rafter,
With plenty groaned the board,
Yet naught they gave that almsman gaunt
Save flaunting fleer and ribald taunt,
Despite his bare and bitter want,
From all their Yule-tide hoard!