Twilight Stories

CHRISTMAS DAY.

 The Christmas chimes are pealing high
  Beneath the solemn Christmas sky,
  And blowing winds their notes prolong
      Like echoes from an angel's song;
  Good will and peace, peace and good will
      Ring out the carols glad and gay,
  Telling the heavenly message still
      That Christ the Child was born to-day.

 In lowly hut and palace hall
  Peasant and king keep festival,
  And childhood wears a fairer guise,
  And tenderer shine all mother-eyes;
  The aged man forgets his years,
      The mirthful heart is doubly gay,
  The sad are cheated of their tears,
      For Christ the Lord was born to-day.
                          SUSAN COOLIDGE.

     They sat on the curbing
      In a crowded row—
      Two little maids
           And one little beau,—
      Watching to see
           The big Elephant go
                By in the street parade;
      But when it came past,
           Of maids there were none,
      For down a by-street
           They cowardly run,
      While one little beau
           Made all manner of fun—
                Of the Elephant he wasn't afraid.