And with golden bands which circle around.

But from all these eggs so fair to see

Are hatched no birds in that Christmas-tree;

Instead, are hatched candy and gumdrops!" said he.

"Are you telling the truth?" asked little Willee.

"I've not told half, I do declare,

Of all those wondrous branches bear.

Bear? They bear dolls and whips and drums,

Tops, whistles, taffy, sugar-plums,

And candy sheep, and candy cats,