The Greatest Day that ever dawned,--
It was a Winter's Morn.
The Finest Temple ever built
Was a Shed where a Babe was born.
The Sweetest Robes by woman wrought
Were the Swaths by the Baby worn.
And the Fairest Hair the world has seen,
--Those Locks that were never shorn.
The Noblest Crown man ever wore,--
It was the Plaited Thorn.
The Grandest Death man ever died,--
It was the Death of Scorn.
The Sorest Grief by woman known
Was the Mother-Maid's forlorn.
The Deepest Sorrows e'er endured
Were by The Outcast borne.
The Truest Heart the world e'er broke
Was the Heart by man's sins torn.