The Mistletoe Bough

'Twas on a merry Christmas night,
A many years ago,
I saw my Love, with dancing sight,
As she came over the snow.
The Elvish Holly laughed above;

A sweeter red below!
When first I met with my true Love,
Under the Mistletoe Bough.

Bright-headed as the merry May-Dawn
She floated down the dance;

I thought some Angel must have gone
Our human way by chance:

I held my hands, and caught my bliss,
Children, I'll show you how!

And Earth touched Heaven in a kiss,
Under the Mistletoe Bough.

Ere leaves were green we built our nest,
The March winds whistled wild;
But in our love we were so blessed,
Old Poverty he smiled.
And Love the heart of Winter waimied,
Love blossomed 'neath the snow;
All fairy-land in blessings swarmed
Under the Mistletoe Bough.

The storms of years have beat our Bark,
That rocks at anchor now;
But She was smiling through the dark,
My Angel at the prow.
And brimming tides of love did bear
Us over the rocks below!
To-night, all safe in harbour here,
Under the Mistletoe Bough.

May you, Boys, win just such a Wife;

Come drink the toast in wine!
And you, Girls, may you light a life
As she has brightened mine.
Dear was the bonny Bride, and yet
I'm prouder of her now
Than on the merry, merry nighu we met,
Under the Mistletoe Bough.