Across the winter snow.

But what are the little footprints all

That mark the path from the church-yard wall?

These are those of the children waked to-night

From sleep by the Christmas bells and light:

Ring sweetly, chimes! Soft, soft, my rhymes!

Their beds are under the snow.

Nöel! Nöel!

Carols each Christmas bell.

What are the wraiths of mist