Then might the blest commandment, do to all As to ourselves we would that they should do, Flow as a natural sequence, and such act Would bring its own reward and comfort, too.
For truest happiness is known to those Who learn to know themselves through struggles brave. Such conquerors steer serenely o'er the calm, Clear sea of life, as o'er its troubled wave.
Knowing that the Great Father wills that man Should, through much strife and suffering win that prize, Whose precious fruits of knowledge wait for all Who use full well each moment as it flies.
Then let us strive to form each thought, word, deed, On the exact, undeviating square, Seeking to learn and discipline ourselves, And win rewards which all who will may share.
Dear, happy Christmas! once again We joy to welcome thee, With all thy glad surroundings, grouped For world-wide jubilee.
We'll crown thy peace-illumined brow With holly burnished bright, Entwined with glowing crimson buds, And mystic berries white.
Then the sly bough of mistletoe We must not, cannot miss, For, privileged beneath its shade, We hope for many a kiss.
Kisses of joy from those we love, Kisses of pardon, too, That chase all anger from the heart, And feelings seared renew.
E'en as the song of peace on earth Flows lovingly from heaven, Should men forgive their foes, as they Expect to be forgiven--
Burying all painful bygones deep, Far out of thought and sight, Sweet peace possessing, reconciled, In new love-bonds unite.
And round the merry Christmas board Pledges of good-will give, That they can, once a year, at least, Old grudges quite forgive.
And let the poor, the blind, the maimed Be kindly feted, too; In blessing others all are bathed In blessings rich and new.
Thus, peace-proclaiming, loving friend, Time-honoured Christmas dear, Thou wilt, indeed, have well fulfilled Thy love-fraught mission here.
(_Founded on a tale which appeared in Chambers' Journal, 4th series, No. 630, Saturday, January 22nd, 1876, page 69_.)
Since quite a boy Hal Gradient had been Noted for ingenuity--between The hours when not on active duty he Immersed in some new scheme was sure to be; So, by the age of twenty-five he grew Absorbed in plans, constructive, rare and new. We both in engineering works were then, On contract work engaged in France, when He the gratifying news received, That some unknown rich relative had died, Leaving him sole executor and heir To an estate both lucrative and fair.