Christmas Carol
Ring out, ye bells!All Nature swellsWith gladness at the wondrous story,—The world was lorn,But Christ is bornTo change our sadness into glory.
Sing, earthlings, sing!To-night a KingHath come from heaven’s high throne to bless us.The outstretched handO’er all the landIs raised in pity to caress us.
Come at his call;Be joyful all;Away with mourning and with sadness!The heavenly choirWith holy fireTheir voices raise in songs of gladness.
The darkness breaksAnd Dawn awakes,Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes.The rocks and stonesIn holy tonesAre singing sweeter than the thrushes.
Then why should weIn silence be,When Nature lends her voice to praises;When heaven and earthProclaim the truthOf Him for whom that lone star blazes?
No, be not still,But with a willStrike all your harps and set them ringing;On hill and heathLet every breathThrow all its power into singing!