That scarce a hint of what thou really art

Has ever reached the world,—who couldst transcend

In matchless music, purged of all thy dross,

The great Beethoven or divine Mozart.

[Pg 35]

[Pg 35]

A SONNET OF THE SEASON

The carol in my heart I send to you:

It comes from out the depths of brooding time

To cheer and bless in every place and clime;

To purge the false, to chasten and subdue;

To lift the drooping life, inspire the true

To nobler deeds and thoughts of love sublime.

This anthem—which I sing in sonnet rhyme—

Judean shepherds heard and angels knew!

And now we fear no longer war's alarms,

For red-eyed Mars has fled at last our home:

Christ took the little children in his arms

And blessed them, saying, Suffer them to come

To me that all the sons of men may find

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