And on the Old Sire's arm she leant,
And round her waist his arm did fold;
And forth into the world they went,
To glad the grieved, to warm the cold.
Across the town, and far away,
Of kindness full, and frolic whim,
To cheer all hearts went Christmas Day,
That white-wing'd Presence following him.
Near Nineteen Hundred times hath she,
The gentle goddess, free and fair,
Awaked with kiss Old Father C.
To make the wintry world their care.
O'er town, o'er country far away,
Where'er hearts ache, or eyes grow dim,
His annual round makes Christmas Day,
Sweet Charity attending him.
[Illustration: THE AWAKENING OF FATHER CHRISTMAS