The daily tasks are set aside, The travelers' plans are made, The kindly-hearted neighbors come With offering of aid. "Why goest thou? The wintry wind Is cold along the track. I pray thou tarry here with me Till Joseph cometh back." The Lily-Maid of Nazareth Made answer unto them— "I go," she softly said, "to keep A tryst at Bethlehem." "Thou art come o'er late," the steward Glanced at the humble pair; "The shepherd's cave on the hillside Is the only room to spare." Then as his torch's flash revealed The Maiden's loveliness— "Why camest thou, too? The way is long, Such toil were needlessness." Gently she put aside her veil, (It crowned her like diadem) "And I am come," she said, "to keep A tryst at Bethlehem." Waked is the hush of mid-night With heavenly music sweet, The lowly cave re-echoes With ecstasy complete. Fondly the Holy Mother Bends over the manger-bed, She hears the wonder music— She sees the glory spread. Clasping the dimpled fingers And pressing her lips to them— "Sweet Babe," she crooned, "with Thee I keep My tryst at Bethlehem." |