By Florence May
On Christmas eve, the king, disconsolate,
Weary with all the round of pomp and state,
Gave whisper to his Fool: “A merry way
Have I bethought to spend our holiday.
Thou shalt be king, and I the fool will be—
And thou shalt rule the court in drollery
For one short day!” With caper, nod, and grin,
Full saucy replied the harlequin;
“A merry play; and sire, amazing strange