 | [Poems by Piatt in] The Children Out-of-doors |  |
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TWO CHAPTERS OF HISTORY
(FOR A LITTLE BOY AT CHRISTMAS-TIME).
I.
Two Kings ruled in an Eastern land,King Gentle Heart, King Mighty Hand.
With Mighty Hand the King, how fast
The fertile fields to deserts passed!
Birds flew distraught and blossoms failed;
The mothers wept, the children wailed;
All harvesters an armèd band,
The sword was in the reaper's hand;—
There shone no joyous Christmas-Day
When Mighty Hand the King had sway.
II.
Two Kings ruled in an Eastern land,King Gentle Heart, King Mighty Hand.
With Gentle Heart the King, again
The desert grew a harvest plain;
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Birds put delight in sun and shade;
Mothers o'er cradles crooning hung;
Strong men in wheat-fields reaping sung;—
Then Christmas came, the Children's Day,
When Gentle Heart the King had sway.
| [Poems by Piatt in] The Children Out-of-doors | |