Christmas Eve

Shimmer of laughter,
Glimmer of play,
Flown in a wafture,
Blown in a spray,
From blithe floor and rafter
Over the way !

I know it is feast-day, a
Mirth-day for all ;
Oh, to the least may a
Birthday befall ;
And the high priest play
There in the hall !
Play with his treasures ;
He is a child.
Swaying their pleasures,
Being so mild ;
The Holy One measures
Mirth for a child.

Weep we less wildly !
Sleeping is well ;
The Lord hath laid on him
A wonderful spell.
Flower-band childly.
Call away fear I
Our hand mildly
Tender you cheer !

How I muse of him
Gambolling so.
With all these who love him
A brief while ago.
Heaven's joy above him.
Our joy below !

Ah ! may you be merry
While one is lost.
In his dear bosom the
Terrible frost ?
Smile we who bury
All we love most ?

Or is he hiding
Here in the hall.
And will he come gliding
Swift when we call ?
Yea ! I have found him,
Nor ever we part,
Love hath unwound him
Deep down in my heart !