"Now, God be thanked," the old nurse cried,
"That the child is born at Christmas-tide;
"For the blessed sake of Mary's Son
God's benison falls on lives begun
"When Christmas music fills the air
And men are joyful everywhere.
"And as to Him came Wise Men three
Offering gifts on bended knee
"So to one born at the Holy Time
On land or sea, in every clime,
"Come three Good Fairies, and each one bears
A gift to brighten the coming years."
The pallid mother gently smiled
And looked upon her tender child.
"Good nurse, the legend is full sweet;
And I lay my babe at His dear feet
"Whose human Sonhood is aware
Of the painful bliss that mothers bear.
"I can well believe that heaven may
Send gifts to the child of Christmas Day."