CHANT me a rhyme of Christmas -- Sing me a jovial song, -- And though it is filled with laughter, Let it be pure and strong. Let it be clear and ringing, And though it mirthful be, Let a low, sweet voice of pathos Run through the melody. Sing of the hearts brimmed over With the story of the day -- Of the echo of childish voices That will not die away. -- Of the blare of the tasseled bugle, And the timeless clatter and beat Of the drum that throbs to muster Squadrons of scampering feet. But O let your voice fall fainter, Till, blent with a minor tone, You temper your song with the beauty Of the pity Christ hath shown: And sing one verse for the voiceless; And yet, ere the song be done, A verse for the ears that hear not, And a verse for the sightless one: For though it be time for singing A merry Christmas glee, Let a low, sweet voice of pathos Run through the melody. |