Christmas Carol

Ring out, ye bells!          All Nature

With gladness at the wondrous story, —          The world was at lorn,          But Christ is

To change our sadness into glory.          Sing, earthlings, sing!          To-night a

Hath come from heaven's high throne to bless us.          The outstretched hand          O'er all the

Is raised in pity to caress us.          Come at His call;          Be joyful all;

Away with mourning and with sadness!          The heavenly choir          With holy

Their voices raise in songs of gladness.          The darkness breaks          And Dawn awakes,

Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes.          The rocks and stones          In holy

Are singing sweeter than the thrushes.          Then why should we          In silence be,

When Nature lends her voice to praises;          When heaven and earth          Proclaim the

Of Him for whom that lone star blazes?          No, be not still,          But with a

Strike all your harps and set them ringing;          On hill and heath          Let every

Throw all its power into singing!