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THE SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In truth it was a solemn show
Last Line: Have vanish'd with the long ago!
Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin)
Subject(s): Christmas; Nativity, The


IN truth it was a solemn show,
The ancient Scottish Christmas tide:
The holly and the mistletoe.
With other boughs as green beside,
Within the altar and the rail;
The offering of the stainless flowers,
And all the grateful heart's avail,
For hope and promise such as ours.

But these have long since pass'd away
Beneath the cold Geneva ban;
No message brings that sacred day
Of what was done and wrought for man.
A cheerless day! -- A gloomy time!
Whereon no grateful thanks are given;
Unhallow'd by the holy chime
That ought to rise and welcome heaven.

A frost more deep than winter brings,
Hath fallen on the Northern moor,
And no glad voice the Christmas brings
To stay the labours of the poor.
No anthem, in the dead of night,
Awakes the shepherd from afar,
Nor can he see the radiant light
That flashes from the promised Star.

Alone upon the wint'ry hill,
The banish'd Angel sits and sighs,
Yet scans the weary midnight still
With eager looks and tearful eyes.
The winds around are wailing low;
They moan amidst the leafless tree;
And in the hollow cave below
Is heard the washing of the sea.

The morning comes! -- O, joy to those
Who know the wherefore of the dawn;
Why yonder East so brightly glows,
And why the veil of Night's withdrawn!
Old man, thy cheek is wan and pale;
The load of years is hard on thee;
Look up above! -- 'Of what avail
Is any morning light to me?'

Around the girdle of the earth,
Where'er the Cross hath ta'en its stand,
Arise the tidings of the Birth
That made the world one Holy Land!
Save where the faith is cold and faint
As are the Northern rocks and snow,
Where sacred fane and honour'd saint
Have vanish'd with the long ago!





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