Christina G. Rossetti . A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I. In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago. II. Our God, heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ. III. Enough for Him whom Cherubim Worship night and day, A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him whom Angels Fall down before, The ox and ass and camel Which adore. IV. Angels and Archangels May have gathered there, But only His Mother In her maiden bliss V. What can I give Him, Poor as I am?— If I were a Shepherd I would bring Him a lamb; If I were a Wise Man I would do my part,— Yet what I can I give Him,- AN APPLE GATHERING. I plucked pink blossoms from mine apple-tree, And wore them all that evening in my hair; Then in due season when I went to see I found no apples there. With dangling basket all along the grass As I had come I went the self-same track: My neighbors mocked me while they saw me pass So empty-handed back. Lillian and Lillias smiled in trudging by, Their heaped-up basket teased me like a jeer; Sweet-voiced they sang beneath the sunset sky, Their mother's home was near. Plump Gertrude passed me with her basket full, Ah Willie, Willie, was my love less worth Than apples with their green leaves piled above, I counted rosiest apples on the earth Of far less worth than love. So once it was with me you stooped to talk, I let my neighbors pass me, ones and twos Fell fast I loitered still. "NO, THANK YOU, JOHN.” I never said I loved you, John: Why will you tease me day by day, With always "do" and "pray"? You know I never loved you, John, No fault of mine made me your toast: I dare say Meg or Moll would take And pray don't remain single for my sake, I have no heart?-Perhaps I have not; Use your own common sense. Let by-gones be by-gones: Don't call me false who owed not to be true: I'd rather answer "No" to fifty Johns Than answer "Yes" to you. Let's mar our pleasant days no more, Let us strike hands as hearty friends; No more, no less; and friendship's good. Only don't keep in view ulterior ends, And points not understood In open treaty. Rise above Quibbles and shuffling off and on : Here's friendship for you if you like; but love,— No, thank you, John. JESSIE CAMERON. "Jessie, Jessie Cameron, Hear me but this once," quoth he. "Good luck go with you, neighbor's son, But I'm no mate for you," quoth she. Day was verging toward the night There where the breakers be. "Oh Jessie, Jessie Cameron, I have loved you long and true." "Good luck go with you, neighbor's son, But I'm no mate for you." She was a careless, fearless girl, But somewhat heedless with her tongue A mirthful maiden she and young, Most fair for bliss or bane. "O, long ago I told you so, I tell you so to-day: Go you your way, and let me go The sea swept in with moan and foam, Quickening the stretch of sand; They stood almost in sight of home; He strove to take her hand. "O, can't you take your answer then, And won't you understand? For me you're not the man of men, I've other plans are planned. You're good for Madge, or good for Cis, Or good for Kate, may-be: But what's to me the good of this While you're not good for me?” |