"On Christmas"

Random Poetry List XCVI

With footstep slow, in furry pall yclad,
   His brows enwreathed with holly never-sear,
   Old Christmas comes, to close the waned year;
   And aye the shepherd's heart to make right glad;
Who, when his teeming flocks are homeward had,
   To blazing hearth repairs, and nut-brown beer,
   And views, well-pleased, the ruddy prattlers dear
   Hug the gray mongrel; meanwhile maid and lad
Squabble for roasted crabs.—Thee, Sire, we hail,
   Whether thine aged limbs thou dost enshroud,
   In vest of snowy white, and hoary veil,
Or wrap'st thy visage in a sable cloud;
   Thee we proclaim with mirth and cheer, nor fail
   To greet thee well with many a carol loud.

John Codrington Bampfylde (English, 1754-1796)

Originally e-mailed on Tuesday, December 21, 1999 @ 9:24 PM.

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Sun. 12/21/08 07:50:04 PM
Categorized as Literary & Random Poetry List.