Page 5 Advertisements Column 5

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3199, 24 December 1892, Page 5 (Supplement)

j A CI 1 IifSTMAS CAROL FOR THE TIMES. W. Ch vitkrton I>ix. Down through the ages, midst the strife of tongues, Midst all the wild unrest of doubt and pain ; Borne by ambassadors from heavenly courts, The news of " Peace on earth '' is heard again. But Feace can hardly find place for her feet In this poor world, so strained, so out of joint, Where eentle Heaven still seeks responsive love From those who seeni to live to disappoint. 'Tis long since Christmas-day first dawned to dower With light and love this spot we call the world, — This scene of wearyinc work, of fitful dreams, Of hopes, which our own hands have downward hurled. Surely, the charm has lost its power—'tis spent, And Peace no longer rules the way of life ; Sturm is more glorious far than slumb'rous calm, Love less heroic than the throes of strife. Thus gentle lowly spirits shrink away From garish fires we heap on high to mock Sun, moon, and stars in God's own firmament ; That hearts, that.should be flesh, are turned to rock. Dark ice-bound streams; foul ways; dull, leaden skies ; Gaunt, leafless boughs, bereft of verdant grace ; These are the pictures of our sunless life, Without the smiles that play on Winter's face. 'Tis not the ancient message fails, but we : Where is the faith that soars on love-sped wings The gifts are ours, but where the hands to take Those sweet oblations which Compassion brings ? 'Tis we are out of tune, not those rapt choirs, Which, as o'er Bethlehem's fields, still chant to-day. In earth's cathedral, God's good news to men, — The Gospel of Good-will which lasts for aye. Is the world old? Say, rather, it is young, Since 'twas a Child Who came to bring it youth ; To flash from God to man the electric spark Of Lovu>which lights it up with Grace and Truth. SANTA CLAUS'S PETITION.

lIV .IULIK M. MJM'MA.N. Dear children,—l write in great haste just to say I've met with an accident coming this way. As Christmas is near, and I've so much to do, I really must beg a slight favor of you ; And, unless I mistake, the small folks of this nation. Will spare poor old Santa great mortification. 15y setting about with their might and their main To see that the accident's righted again You know, I suppose that the distance is great I travel each year ; and for fear I'll be late, I whip up my kangaroos—mike each good steed tjrt) hopping along at the top of his speed This year my big car was us big as'c could swarm I threw otr my ulster—for the weather was And started onco more on my gay Chriitraan tour With lightest of hearts, you may be very sure. Hi ! how the bells jingled and mingled in tune ? I bowed to the stars and I winked at the moon. I found myself crossing the great open sea, With dolphins and merchildren gazing at me. I bent a bit over the side of my sleigh To wave them a hand, when—.ill nie ! lackaday ! A stocking crammed full to the wry small toe Fell over the back to the sea down below, And there the merchildren made merry ado With toys I had meant for some dear one of you. So this is my accident, and I would ask — I know you won't deetri it a troublesome task— Tiiat if you should see some poor child with no toys Upon Christmas morning, dear girls and dear boys, You'll know the fat stocking he was to have had Is deep in the sea, and poor Santa is sad, And see that the accident's righted, because 'Twill be a great favour to Yours, Santa Claus. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. By thk Idle Idyllkr. Now rest you, merry gentlemen—may noth-

ing you dismay ; The church bell* chime, 'tis Christmas time —let's celebrate tho day. We'll dance and sing from morn till night, and when of that we tire, We'll stories tell of goblins grim while seated round the fire. Bring forth our joyous Christmas cheer that in the larder lies ; Let turkey join with proud sirloin, and pudding with mince pies. 'Tis tluu we'll drive the cold away, and W'.trin our regions inner— Alas, the times are very bad—we've not a crust for dinntr ! The holly branch, with berries red, shall decorate the wa'l; Tho mistletoe shall hang aloft in cottage and in hall. For maidens love the mistletoe, and think it much amiss If lovers do not take the hint, and also take a kiss. From far and near our friends still flock— let's greet them, as of yore ; At Christmas-time we never turn relations from the door. Our house shall open be to all Our house ! Ah, there I give in ! Alas, the times are very bad—we've not a house to live in ! Pour out, pour out the ruby wine, and push the grog about; Drink what you will, but drink your fill, then raise a merry shout, Fill high, fill high the flowing bowl—let nought disturb your glee; We'll banish care and sorrow with our mirth and minstrelsy. We'll revel till the night's half gone, then stagger up to bed, To wake and feel as if we'd tried to paint the village red. Alas, we've nought but water left with which to drown our woes in— The tiir.es are very bad, indeed, aud all our pipos are frozen ! Hurrah for merry Christmas!—'tis the time of mirth and joy— A time of hospitality, without the least alloy ; A time when we are maddened by the sight of many bills— A time when pudding's followed by a potion and some pills. We've heaps of Christinas bills to pay—we paid the last in Juue ; The half-year's rent u due to day—l think we'll shoot the moon. Alas, we've liltie happiness our woeful lives to lea ven ! — But Christmas comes but once a year, and for that fact thank Heaven !