The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay With Illustrations by John Gilbert |
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THE CHRISTMAS QUEEN. |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay |  |
44
THE CHRISTMAS QUEEN.
I
I am Queen of Smiles and Beauty,Queen supreme this Christmas night.
Loyal subjects! hear your duty—
My decrees are Law and Right.
Mine's a crown of Christmas Holly,
Mine's a charter—wide yet clear;
Foe of gloom and melancholy,
Friend of Laughter—Song—and Cheer.
II
I have titles to reward you,I can make you Dukes and Earls;
In my court we'll thus regard you,
If it please the pretty girls.—
Choose your rank! “my Lady Smiler!”
“Duchess Lovely!” “Countess Coy!”
“Princess Eye-Bright,”—heart-beguiler!
“Ensign Pleasure!” “General Joy!”
III
Could I govern States and NationsAs to-night I govern you,
I would double poor men's rations,
And give Merit all its due.
Wealth should taste a keener pleasure,
Happy genius learn to thrive,
Every child should be a treasure,
And each honest man should wive.
45
IV
This I'd do if I were able,And my kingdom not so small,—
Bounded by a dinner-table
And the pictures on the wall.
Yet, what matters? Here is gladness:
Joy requires no wider span—
Leave the outer world to sadness;—
We'll be happy while we can.
| The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay | |