University of Virginia Library

THE CHRISTMAS-TREE.

Crowd in, merry little ones; gleaming with tapers
The Christmas-Tree greets you at last.
Behave yourself, Bessy; and Harry, no capers;
And Willy, don't hurry so fast.
Believe me, there 's plenty of time to take matters
Quite coolly and calmly, my dears;
Remember that clothes can be torn into tatters
And screams are not good for old ears.
Well, is n't it beautiful? Gracious, how pleasant
Your marvelling glances to view!
Yes, somewhere among those bright boughs there's a present
For you, and for you, and for you!

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And so Bessy thinks it a wonderful cedar;
She 'd just like to climb it, the elf!
And wee Kitty questions, with no one to heed her—
“Did Santa Claus light it himself?”
And Harry discovers the top he 's been yearning
To buy for a fortnight and more;
And sharp-eyed young Willy already is burning
To flourish his new battledore.
Now, children, quite quietly, just as you 're bidden,
Come stand beside Grandma and me,
While Father shall show you what treasures lie hidden
For all in the gay Christmas-Tree.