University of Virginia Library


228

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS FIRE.

The Eye of the Room.

Of old we've learnt
A log half-burnt
Was saved to kindle next year's blaze;
The brand meanwhile
That lights the pile,
Had lit the fires of elder days.
Thus through the dark,
While flash and spark
Linked year to year, and flame to flame,
They lessons leave
To all that grieve—
How hearts and souls may burn the same.
The log we light
Is memory bright,
Heaped up with scorching, crackling joy;
The brand that lit—
Old games, old wit—
Romps, known when Man was but a Boy!
1845.