Of ancient friendship, from our boyish days,

And love as that of brotherhood, I’ve come

To join the circle by Sir Arthur’s fire,

Partake his hospitality, and share

The social converse round this happy hearth.

Oh Christmas, what a host of sacred thoughts

Come thronging at thy name! The mind is filled

With holy visions of our human loves

Exalted and refined. The charities

Of daily life, of kindred and of home,